Cecconi's
/A modern Italian restaurant where food, wine, service and atmosphere blend beautifully together, Cecconi’s boasts delicious Modern Australian cuisine while taking great pride in using only the freshest ingredients available.
Now at the pass, head chef Maurice Esposito is charged with the responsibility of maintaining its esteemed reputation. Formerly of Esposito at Toofeys, II Baccaro and Sarti, Stokehouse and The European, Esposito is a culinary wizard whose passion for food is evident in everything that is presented from his kitchen. The new Cecconi’s winter menu, exudes elegance and simplicity and looks to secure the restaurant’s place in the upper echelon of Melbourne’s culinary institutions.
We were pleased to be taken through a delicious degustation menu which showcased revitalized Italian classics in a contemporary style.
To start we adored the selection of Antipasti. The prosciutto in particular was a stand out, possessing a richness that had been further enhanced by the flavours of the intense curing salt mix.
As expected of any good Italian restaurant, Cecconi's is particularly good at producing quality pasta dishes. The House made penne, beef and pork ragu was al dente and absolutely scrumptious while the handmade gnocchi pleased with flawlessly executed “melt in your mouth" gnocchi accompanied by a wonderfully flavoursome amalgamation of tomato and fresh buffalo. It was a luxurious, indulgently comforting dish that left us craving more.
The main courses continued to please. The dish of barramundi was stunning. The quality of the fish was exemplary and it was prepared with the utmost care - the skin was perfectly seared to be very crisp while the flesh was delicate and moist. It was a dish that allowed the natural subtle sweetness of the fish to be enjoyed.
The Shiraz braised ox cheek with polenta was similarly wonderful – a memorable dish combining flawless texture with equally superlative flavours.
Continuing the trend for the evening, the cheese and dessert courses were delicious. We recommend ending your dining journey at Cecconi's with the warm soft-centered chocolate pudding with fior di latte gelato. Formed from luxurious, high quality, rich dark chocolate this is one for the chocoholics.
Cecconi's continues to be one of the city's most attractive propositions and we cannot wait to return.
Location: Basement, 61 Flinders Lane Melbourne
Phone: 03 8663 0500
Link: http://www.cecconis.com/