There are the restaurants in Australia that replicate ideas of what things were like in Italy, and then there are restaurants that feel like they might have sprung new from the ground in Rome or Milan today. Small of size but big on verve and casually hip to its core, Vini is of the latter stripe, its walls chalked with an intoxicating array of Italian wines, its menu elegant in its concision and almost abrupt in the honesty of its flavours. Antipasti run to the likes of arrosticini, fatty lamb skewers with a cheek of lemon or San Daniele prosciutto served with grissini. Figs, radishes and soft-boiled eggs all come off the better for their dip into a hot bath of garlic, anchovy, butter and oil, while the stand-by pasta dishes impress, whether you’re talking fettucine gone Med with roast peppers, olives and zucchini flowers or a rich lamb shank lasagne. Allow the friendly staff to charm you into a slice of tart and leave refreshed of both mind and body.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Wine: ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
