Pizzavelly Italian Kitchen – Clovelly

Since it opened its doors in February 2011, Pizzavelly Italian Kitchen has wooed Eastern Suburbs diners with authentic Italian flavours and warm hospitality. Oftentimes, there are queues forming outside the intimate premises on Clovelly Road with tables being turned frequently.

And it’s not just hearsay. Patrons have voted with their support, and after just five months of operation, it was a Finalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category in the Randwick City Business Excellence Awards 2011-2012.

Pizzavelly Italian Kitchen

Pizzavelly, as it is more commonly known, is a hybrid name for Pizza and Clovelly, the beachside suburb where it is located. The twenty seat restaurant which is renowned for its pizzas also operates the Italian Kitchen side of the restaurant.

Francesco Golino is the culinary talent behind the kitchen and he brings authentic Italian dishes and flavours of his native towns of Caserta and Fondi to the table. An experienced restaurateur, his previous ventures include Portobello in Kensington, The Italian Connection in Sydney’s George Street and Rossini in Viña del Mar in Chile.

The menu has a classic Italian edge, with antipasti, pasta and risotto dishes and main courses. The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh and the flavours authentic.

Garlic bread

The garlic bread ($4.00) is made with pane alla liparese, a Lipari style bread spread with a house-made combination of olive oil, butter, oregano and garlic.

Insalata Caprese

Insalata Caprese/ Caprese salad ($14.00) delivers bursts of freshness from Fior di Latte mozzarella, basil leaves and Roma tomatoes, with the light balsamic glaze and olive oil complementing the flavours of the ingredients.

Fig, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Plate

The Fig, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Plate ($16) is a special treat and seasonal dish on the menu. Succulent figs are presented as pretty flowerettes centred with prosciutto-wrapped Gorgonzola on a bed of rocket. The Negroni di Parma prosciutto works very well with the sharpness of the cheese. The figs add a little sweetness and texture which makes this dish a winner. A pizza version is also on the special menu while figs are in season.

Italian size servings of main dishes

Fettuccine Mare e Fantasia

Fettuccine Mare e Fantasia ($22.00) is another of the specials that deserve a permanent place on the menu. Spinach and egg fettuccine are cooked al dente and served in a cream sauce with prawns, smoked salmon and vodka. The sauce is a delight and takes on the fresh flavours of the seafood.

Gnocchi Vivaldi

Gnocchi Vivaldi ($25.00) is the must-have dish. Fresh gnocchi have a melt-in-the-mouth consistency with the delicious flavours of prawns and pancetta set in a combination of Cognac, tomato and cream sauce. This is Francesco’s signature sauce, one that he created in 1992 from ingredients inspired by Vivald’s Four Seasons.

When it comes to desserts, a range of cakes from the display unit are available ,including gluten free options, but you can’t go past the Tiramisu. Made fresh on the premises, the popular dessert is replenished frequently and comes in two flavours, the traditional coffee and Limoncello.

Tiramisu 

The Tiramisu ($8.50) is by far the star dessert. Light in consistency but rich in flavours of coffee and mascarpone with no skimping on the Marsala. Not overly sweet, the balance of ingredients makes it a moreish dish that you won’t want to share, not even with your better half.

Limoncello Tiramisu

Equally delicious and a lighter alternative, the Limoncello Tiramisu is made with white chocolate, mascarpone and home-made Limoncello liqueur .

Macchiato and Mandorla

Francesco Golino

Pizzavelly Italian Kitchen is a B.Y.O. restaurant with no corkage charged. Its liquor license is in progress and it will soon offer a range of Italian wines to complement the menu.

For a casual dining experience, Pizzavelly Italian Kitchen ticks all the right boxes. Flavoursome and authentic dishes are made using fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. Whether it’s dinner for two, or with family or with a group of friends, this little gem in Clovelly does it very well with a side of warm Italian hospitality.

Pizzavelly Italian Kitchen
347 Clovelly Road
Clovelly NSW 2031
Ph: 9664 3333
http://www.pizzavelly.com.au
Mon to Wed – 3 pm to 10 pm
Thur to Sun – 11 am to 10 pm

Disclaimer: Gourmantic are friends with the owners of Pizzavelly Italian Kitchen and have dined there on several occasions. Like all our reviews, opinions are our own and are not influenced by the relationship.