SURFERS’ BEST ITALIAN, BAR NONE

Ordinarily, us Gold Coasters take great pride in uncovering the hidden gems, preferring to frequent the more secluded spots tucked away from the action – leaving the visitors to duke it out over the bustling tourist hotspots.

But every now and again, we have to give in to that specific insatiable craving that makes navigating the crowds (and the parking) ohsoworthit. nd when we find out an old favourite has unveiled a brand new menu, we know we’re gonna NEED to get ourselves a pizza that action #pronto. Because when the Baritalia itch hits, it is gnoc gonna quit until we get a slice of those mouth-watering eats –they re always worth the truffle.

Baritalia is Surfers’ very own Italian institution. Uniting locals and tourists alike over their appetite for Italian food, owner Simon has spent the latter half of his career dedicated to a srsly impressive 15-year stint as restaurateur. Sourcing both imported products from Italy as well as supporting locally sourced Queensland produce, his knack for dishing up modern and authentic flavours just keeps us coming back forever amore.

Surfers’ little taste of Italy is perfectly placed to watch the world go by, and if you keep it to two hours it’s free parking at Chevron Renaissance too! Surrounded in cascading greenery, settle in among the alfresco style surrounds complete with classic black, white, and of course – trademark Italian red accents. With a Limoncello Spritz in hand, the vibe is enough to have you momentarily contemplating if you need to acquire a vespa.

As cute as the interiors may be, it won’t take long for your attention to start drifting to sampling Baritalia’s menu, once you catch those unmistakable aromas wafting from the kitchen. While normally the afternoon is where Italian food shines, don’t skip the breakfast here because they are starting the day stronger than an Italian coffee (and that’s saying something). The coffee machine is ready to serve Allpress Espresso from 6.30am. We’re faced with with the age old breakfast conundrum: savoury or sweet? In this case, you truly can’t go wrong with either a pizza-oven toasted Croissant or breakfast Bruschetta – zucchini, Meredith goat’s cheese, garlic, mint and evoo.

Though if you re lucky enough to find yourself in the Baritalia vicinity as lunchtime approaches, treating yourself to house made Panini is an absolute must – eggplant, mushrooms, olives, capsicum, pesto, rocket or os o o e ho e fio l e will not disappoint.

The dinner menu features what feels like every Italian dish we’ve ever known and loved. Grab yourself some antipasti to start while you ponder a fully stacked, authentic fresh pasta, gnocchi and pizza menu.

It’s impasta-ble to narrow down a line up that’s a perfect 10 – but if the Veal Scaloppine – Northern Rivers milk fed veal, white wine, mushrooms, onions and garlic in a light creamy sauce with broccoli and potatoes doesn’t say indulgent Italian feast, we don’t know what does.

Okay, okay – so maybe just a House Made Tiramisu to finish. aaand now it s officially an indulgent, Italian feast. Bellissimo!