Degani, Zetland

Degani is a casual restaurant located outside of the East Village shopping complex in Zetland. The menu is quite extensive and if you're really hungry - you may be tempted by one of their epic meat towers for two. I stop by for a date night with MW one Saturday afternoon although we do not dare try the epic meat tower - we are looking forward to a nice meal.

MW and I have had a busy day of looking at houses and apartments and we are looking to unwind. Luckily Degani is also licensed so MW has a 4 Pines Beer and I go for one of their green power juices. The friendly staff make some recommendations while I look at the menu. 

On a whim, MW suggests for entree, we try the stuffed mushrooms ($9). Mushrooms are completely under rated especially when they are stuffed with three types of cheese and served with crunchy ciabatta bread and jalapeno aioli. I quickly fall in love with the stuffed mushrooms with the crunchy coating and oozing cheese and flavoursome mushrooms. I highly recommend - delicious.

I also eat this entree of grilled octopus and calamari ($16.90) which is a generous of octopus and calamari serving of rocket with lemon and olive oil dressing. The light dressing ensures the seafood flavour is dominant. The warm salad is very satisfying and would be a light meal if you didn't want to share or this is an entree that could easily be shared.

I think I've eaten too much of the entrees as I'm almost full but there's always room for Paella right? The Degani Paella ($32) is served up is a cosy little pan and is filled with seafood of prawns, calamari, clams, mussels and also chicken. The paella is well cooked with the soft rice just the right consistency and texture - soft and almost risotto like. It's very moreish and homely.

The highlight of the meal is definitely the half rack of pork ribs ($34). MW's eyes immediately light up as he picks up the finger licking BBQ saucey pork ribs. I get food envy and immediately ask him to feed me some of his ribs. WOW, the saucey ribs were so delicious - I think they could easily rival Hurricane's ribs. MW demolishes the ribs and we both enjoy the crunchy chips. I HIGHLY recommend this dish if you love your ribs. Total satisfaction.

As I am quite full, I order a refreshing peppermint tea while MW eyes off the dessert menu. We share the lemon tart which is served with ice cream, strawberry and also cream. Even though I'm full, I can't help but eat some of the tangy lemon tart. The crust of the tart is thick and crumbly and encases the lemon curd/custard which is delightful. The ice cream provides for a creamy contrast. I like it. 

Summary: Overall, Degani would be a great venue for a family meal or date night. If you love your ribs then I highly recommend ordering the pork ribs. They would easily rival Hurricanes Ribs. So Yum.

For something unexpected, I also recommend the stuffed mushrooms. All the other food was cooked to a high standard so enjoy!

Price: $30ish for mains

Location: Outside of East Village shops, 2 Cooper place, Zetland

Opening Hours: 7am to 10pm daily (open until 11pm on Saturdays)

Weekend Food Escapes dined as guests of Zomato Australia. All words, opinions and photos are my own.