The Cellar Bar by Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino, is widely acclaimed to be one of the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne. That it no mean feat, considering that Melbourne is home to a sizable Italian community. A meal at Grossi Florentino will set you back a whopping $275 per person, including matching wines. Unfortunately, my current predicament, does not allow me to do just yet.

What i can do is, savour the fresh pastas at Grossi Florentino's Cellar Bar. The cellar bar by Grossi Florentino has always been described as "a place to have quick pasta". I this will do it more justice, the cellar bar is a a place to have quick, delicious authentic pasta.

Coming in late afternoon, the place was half full, welcomed by the wait staff, i was greeted "Bojourno" and seated on a a small table. I have always loved how waitstaff of high end establishments carried themselves, they strut around like proud peacocks, graceful and elegant.
The wait staff took our drinks orders and described the specials. By the second time, he was back at the table, complementary ciabattas and olive oil and our drinks were served; orders taken.

On special: Penne with Spicy Pork Sausage Sauce ($18)

A balanced pasta dish, the rich, herby sauce combined really well with spicy pork sausage. The addition of the high quality Parmesan cheese really brought the dish to another level. Absolutely divine.

Roast Pumpkin Tortellini with Fried Sage ($18)

My favourite pasta dish, simple yet stunning dish. Prove that the simplest thing is often the best. A perfectly made and cooked tortellini, sweet, aromatic pumpkin fillings and crisp sage. What more can i say, I am already salivating myself.

Flourless Chocolate Cake-$8.50

The simply presented flourless chocolate cake, is to die for. The obvious use of high quality chocolate in the cake and the fudge is really the key here. The beautifully scooped cream, gave the dish a smooth, velvety finish.

Food for thought: the cellar bar has limited table, so be prepared to sit on bar stools during service.

The Cellar Bar by Grossi Florentino
80 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000 VIC
Ph: (03) 9662 1811
Website: http://www.grossiflorentino.com/grossi-florentino/the-cellar-bar/about

$16-$25

Score4/5