OUR LITTLE PIZZA HEAVEN

Oh, Italia. As all-around food enthusiasts we are quite pasta-ial to alll the Italian eats, and by ‘quite partial’, we mean down 24/7 (mental note: check if breakfast pasta is a thing).

e ve officially moved into our yearly comfort food era. Nothing compares to the soul-hugging, carb-coma inducing satisfaction of a big ol’ bowl of Italian food made with love.

If you’re yet to stumble across Bambino Ristorante, this hidden gem has created quite the name for itself among central GC locals as so much more than just your everyday neighbourhood Italian joint. For Bambino Ristorante, sumptuous authentic Italian food is just one pizza what keeps customers coming back for more. A dual-level establishment with two dedicated performance areas, a cello playing owner and live music every night, this fun filled musical restaurant never skips a beat when it comes to unforgettable mems and good vibes. ambino s classic fit out perfectly complements the welcoming, traditional neighbourhood restaurant and community vibe. There’s no mistaking you’re in the right place, and if the bold ‘Italian restaurant’ illuminated brighter than Yatala’s controversial ‘Gold Coast’ installation doesn’t tip you off, then the literal vintage red car protruding from the front façade sure will. Nostalgic interior nods are an ode to Italy: crisp white tablecloths, black leather seating, crushed velvet and moody surrounds all provide the perfect backdrop for this dinner-anda-show experience.

Like many, with the world coming to a grinding halt in 2020 owner Max Tu had time on his hands to dream and scheme. Ultimately, he was inspired to create his own Venn diagram where all three of his passions – food, hospitality and entertainment, overlap into one perfect circle that is Bambino Ristorante. After moving from Taiwan in 2014, Mr Tu spent some years studying and working within the hospitality industry in Adelaide. Of course it was only a matter of time until he saw some sense we stole him away from our Southern friends. Bambino caught Max’s attention for ‘being a venue where guests can have a great meal while enjoying live music, singing and dancing’, and with the addition of state-of-the-art audio equipment it has only continued to evolve into an establishment that is pasta-tively adored by it’s supportive community.

We’re pleased to also report the eats are just about as authentic as you can get without y know a hour flight so it s winner winner scallopini dinner as far as we’re concerned. Of course, the starters offer up all the faves you’d expect, but let’s face it – as soon as we spy Nonna’s Meatballs with veal, pork and fennel meatballscooked in rich sauce served with parmesan croutes and grated pecorino, we need look no further (but if someone orders the Bruschetta, we won’t complain about taste testing).

The Nice Cheeks – 18 hour slow-cooked premium Angus beef cheek, chat potato and red wine jus are a must try, while the Bella Mignon Chicken and Prawn wrapped with smoked speck, seasonal vegetables in a creamy mushroom sauce offers the best of both worlds for the seafoodies among us. We’re not about to commit any culinary sins by skipping the extensive pizza and pasta selection – might we suggest the Gamberetta pizza with tomato, king prawns, red onions, roasted capsicum and capers and Penne Ragout, Braised Wagyu Ragout, penne pasta with grated pecorino respectively.

Since the calories are already a write off, you might as well go all out and finish with something from the Bambino Ristorante dessert holy trinity: Tiramisu, Cannoli or Small Dessert Pizza laden with Nutella, banana, rich Frangelico anglaise and candied walnuts served with vanilla ice-cream

No matter what you opt for, a trip to Bambino Ristorante will be a feast for the senses and a (maybe literal) serenade for the soul. It’s impossible to say for sure what’s more buttery smooth, the nightly entertainment or the e elle

FOLLOW THEM have a great meal while enjoying live music…

Tuesday – Thursday from 5:00pm Friday – Saturday from 12:00 noon

117 Ashmore Rd, Bundall QLD 4217 Tel. 07 5539 3877 bambino.net.au