On the menu: A huge selection of Italian food, from pizzas and pastas to Italian-style meat and seafood dishes. Plenty of vegetarian options, gluten-free available, plus light meals and inventive salads. Takeaway options are available for most dishes.
The buzz: Italian is my favourite food and it is no secret that I am a big Spuntino fan, eating their superb vegetarian pizza at least once a week just for the aubergine they put on top. I have also been to some great dinner parties there on the covered patio out the back. It is really authentic Italian with chef-owner Luigi and staff adding character to the place not only with exquisite cooking but with their Italian welcome. Always packed, it is well-priced, homely and serves some of the best Italian food I have tasted outside of Italy.
I'll have: Salt and pepper squid with chilli mayonnaise ($10). Squid is so hard to get just right that when you find it cooked perfectly it reminds you how good it is. This squid was tender and the batter light and juicy, with the chilli bringing out its fishy taste. For mains: scallops and warm potato salad with tomatoes and cannellini beans ($19). This comes with bacon, but I opted for it without. I was trying to be good having salad, but this was more like a hearty stew - with a delicious sauce in which you could taste the flavour of fresh Italian herbs.
He'll have: Fresh mussels in white wine and garlic and spicy tomato sauce ($13). Great value for money. Came with pizza bread and I sneaked a dip of the delicious sauce. For mains: pasta al salmone-pasta in a creamy tomato sauce with smoked salmon, shallots, black pepper and rocket ($16.50). Waitress Klara recommended this and we can see why. I had serious menu envy, reminding me that when in a great Italian restaurant, always go for at least one pasta dish.
For the adventurous: I would love to try the "posh fries" with parmesan and truffle oil. One of our party had sliced beef fillet pan-fried with shallots, butter and thyme, in a sauce of parmesan, eggs and cream, which was really original and which I will try next time. I can also recommend the Spuntino - their own home-made spaghetti in a spicy tomato sauce with mussels, prawns and calamari.
Desserts: We shared a bowl of home-made gelato ($7.50) and a Fondente alla Nutella ($14), a melting hot chocolate and hazelnut dessert with fresh cream. Rich and decadent, even sharing it, we couldn't finish it; but if you have that chocolate yearning, you will love this.
To drink: The girls shared a bottle of Lake Chalice Merlot while the boys tried the Peroni (Italian beer) on tap. There is a large selection of soft drinks, indulging San Pellegrino sparkling water and Italian lemonades. There is also a variety of liqueurs including the obligatory Limoncello, as well as a range of speciality coffees.
Price range: Entrees: $4.50-$16; mains: $16-$24; desserts $7.50-$14.
The staff: We had a great laugh with our waitress and she was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant is busy, but staff coped well and every need was met.
The verdict: Whether you are looking for an intimate meal or a raucous night out with friends, for great food and a true Italian vibe, Spuntino is your happy place.
Annemarie Quill