Locanda Italian Steakhouse at Rydges Lakeside is Canberra’s newest and most surprising destination for Canberra’s fine dining junkies.
I use the word ‘surprising’ because you wouldn’t necessarily expect one of the industry’s finest Italian restaurants to be located in a Canberra hotel, but that’s exactly where it is.
I visited Locanda on what I thought would be a typically slow Wednesday Canberra night, but was pleased to find a buzz in the restaurant, with people chatting away in the relaxed setting.
It is obvious that a lot of effort has been made, if the first impressions of the layout and design are anything to go by. The space is used well and tables are spread out far enough so that you and your guests are able to enjoy yourself and the meals, without feeling like you are sitting on top of the table next to you. Floor to ceiling glass wine cabinets act as feature podiums and a spacious gourmet preparation area is inviting, with prosciutto and condiments. With the fit-out costing more than 6 million dollars, it’s deservingly impressive.
The restaurant’s flavours take after the cultural heritage of the charismatic and charming Executive Chef, Paolo Milanesi, who was born in the north of Italy, but learned his culinary skills in the south of the country, principally in Sicily. Paolo’s background results in a fusion of both regions, showcasing a good range of the food that Italy has become famous for.
To start, my guest and I enjoyed the Affettati Misti, which comprises a typical antipasto plate, but with the addition of imported Italian prosciutto. The wooden board it was presented on was filled with fresh Italian bread, eggplant, salami, sun dried tomatoes, olives and of course prosciutto. Each ingredient strategically complimented the next, and it was the perfect grazing size for a table of four.
As part of our entrée, we were served a selection of pastas. Paolo informed me that the pastas are all made fresh by hand, every afternoon. The ricotta and spinach stuffed tortellini was a sensation and showed the genius of the fresh produce.
Paolo also made a point to note that he only uses fresh and often organic produce, and does his best to source ingredients from our local region.
When it came time to ordering mains, I could not go past a juicy steak, after all, Locanda is a steakhouse! Keeping with the Italian theme, I decided upon the La Fiorentina T-Bone with a side of creamy mash.
My decision was made easier thanks to the attentive and knowledgeable floor staff, who I was relieved to see, actually knew what they were talking about. I went through about three or four main choices before finally making my decision and the Locanda team didn’t mind taking the time to explain each dish and their unique cooking methods. I also noted that the tables around me received the same great service.
The T-Bone was cooked to perfection and in true Italian style the portions were very generous.
If you’re like me and enjoy a glass of wine with your dinner then you won’t be disappointed as Locanda has one of the most extensive Italian wine selections in Canberra. As we all know Italians aren’t the only ones who make great wine, Australian wines of all varieties sit deservingly alongside their Italian counterparts.
Finally it was time for dessert and I selected the Tiramisu with Italian lemon shortbread, an absolute highlight. It was the perfect meal to end on and again demonstrated that Paolo and his team have an unwavering understanding of Italian cuisine.
All in all, Locanda was a superb dining experience, very authentic in its cuisine style, with dedicated staff and extremely talented chefs. It is a place where you’re not expected to rush your meal, and with the warm atmosphere and meticulously prepared dishes, you won’t want to.
Locanda are offering OutInCanberra readers a Free dessert, redeem now.
Photos by Chris Whitfield
