Otto Ristorante

Dining at Woolloomooloo Wharf almost always guarantees a pleasant if not, amazing experience. Recently for a work lunch, I went to Otto Ristorante, the place where I've seen so many Instagram raves but never had a chance to try. Cue excitement! The verdict? It's as good as they say, perhaps even better. Food is simply divine and don't get me started on the view and atmosphere.




What's great about Otto's menu is that it's very comprehensive and you are given so many choices to choose from. From entrees to pastas and other mains, I can see why someone would keep coming back. Reading the names of the dishes alone would make you salivate and want to try everything. Oh and did I mention there are also specials that are not on the menu? Yep, the dilemma of choice just continues.



A few of my colleagues chose this beautiful pasta as their main and caused alot of food envy on the table. This is called the Black and White Pasta which comes with Scampi, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Chilli and Basil ($30). The pasta itself has a fettucine-like texture and also closely resembles that of squid ink pasta. Just when you thought monochrome was only trending in fashion, the food industry proves that they are right on track also. From what I heard, this pasta was gobsmacking delicious and with that visual, I have no doubt at all. Love how the colours are presented!



Whilst the menu was super tempting by itself, I ended up ordering a pasta from the specials menu. I can't remember the full name but it is essentially Egg Spaghetti cooked with Spanner Crab, Tomato, Garlic and Olive Oil. I promise you, this dish tasted 10 times better than what it looks. The photo simply does not do it justice. It was perhaps one of the best pasta dishes I've ever tasted in that it was insanely flavoursome yet light and refreshing at the same time. The portion size was perfect - I finished the dish feeling not too full but quite satisfied at the same time with just enough room for dessert. The crunchy texture of zucchini swirled with the chewy egg spaghetti proved to be a genius combination and anything with spanner crab is a cherry on top. The hint of chilli in the sauce made it even tastier. Simply delicious!



Although we didn't order entrees, we had some nice side dishes circulating the table - Green Beans, Onion and Pancetta ($12), Mixed Green Leaves, White Balsamic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($11) etc. Loved the beans!







Honestly no matter how substantial a main is, there is ALWAYS room for dessert. My colleague ordered the Balsamic Semifreddo with Mulled Wine Poached Cherries, Pistachio and Pine Nut Praline, Meringue ($19). It was my first time trying semifreddo and it turned out to be amazing. Kind of like ice cream but with a thicker consistency to it. It was creamy and rich but lovely with the meringue crunch.



As a chocolate addict, I am proud to say that I ordered the Hazelnut and White Chocolate Mousse, Gianduja Ganache, White Chocolate Sorbet with Peanut Butter Wafer ($21). This dessert was plated to perfection and is any chocolate lover's dream come true. The playful mix of textures was everything you can imagine - crunchy, soft, smooth, rich and ultra decadent. The merging of chocolate and hazelnut with peanut butter flavours soared into all the sugar senses I had. Whilst it did get a bit sickenly sweet towards the end, nonetheless I devoured this plate with so much joy and not a single ounce of regret.



We were very lucky that day with the weather. The wharf was buzzing with people (after all it is Christmas lunch season) and the view was simply stunning. To lunch at a place like this towards the end of the year - I can't think of anything better!





Overall, Otto Ristorante definitely stands out in delivering quality Modern Italian cuisine with an innovative approach to reinventing classic dishes into stylish new forms. The service is absolutely impeccable and the dining ambience is great if you're looking for smart casual with a touch of classiness. Ideal for lunch!

I would highly recommend Otto and whilst it can be a bit exxy, for a special occasion on a beautiful Sydney day, this place is totally worth it! Can't wait to return another time to try some other noticeable dishes on the menu :)



Otto Ristorante
Area 8
6 Cowper Wharf Road
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
02 9368 7488

http://ottoristorante.com.au/


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