Casa Ristorante Italiano, King St Wharf

Casa Ristorante Italiano is located on King St Wharf and is a popular spot for groups of people who want to enjoy the bright outside area with a water view. It's a sunny day and I aim to absorb the sunlight and views!

We kick off our meal at Casa Ristorante with a cheeky drink. I go for my usual red wine while Matt goes for a Stone Wood Beer. I look out into the water and see a few seagulls flying about. The venue is starting to fill out with lots of families chatting away on this particular Sunday.

Matt and I share the Zucchini Flowers ($21) filled with feta, black olives, semi dried tomatoes and chilli mayo. The zucchini flowers are lightly crumbed on the outside and come in a portion of four. As I cut into the zucchini flower the feta oozes out and is expectantly salty.

By recommendation of the staff, I order the Arancini ($19,  four pcs) has fried saffron infused risotto balls filled with peas, ragu and mozzarella. The arancini has a crunchy exterior with a flavoursome, cheesey, soft filling which is quite tasty. The rich tomato sauce is a nice touch of saltiness to the arancini.

The Pappardelle Lamb Ragu ($32) has slow roasted lamb shoulder, papperdalle, fennel, roma tomatoes finished with fresh ricotta and parsley. The tomato sauce is quite rich - like fresh tomato paste. I slurp up those pappardelle sheets and the slow roasted lamb. With some more simmering in herbs, that sauce would be less rich and would highlight more of the lamb flavour.

There's the Tenderloin Medallion which has a slow roasted at a temperature of 65 degrees. Prime beef tenderloin with creamy mash, caramelised onions, pancetta served with jus gras ($45). Matt orders a medium rare steak but it comes out more medium. It's an enjoyable steak to eat on the bed of mash.

For dessert, there's the Tiramisu ($14) which has classic Italian Salvadorie biscuits soaked in coffee. The tiramisu comes out clearly cut looking like a cake. There's the Chocolate Brulee Dome ($14) with flourless chocolate sponge, 54% chocolate mousse, caramel brulee insert. I carve into the chocolate dome with has a nice glossy rich dark chocolate coating and within is rich chocolate mousse which dominates in flavour so you can't taste the caramel brulee as much. See if you can resist.

I watch a seagull attempt to steal pizza from a neighbouring table. Those seagulls are so cheeky. Watch out if you are nearby any of the seagulls!!

Summary: So if you're out and about by King St Wharf, why not check out Casa Risorante Italiano. They have great lunch specials and the pizzas seem to be very popular.  I don't have a favourite dish of the day, all the dishes are quite consistent. 

Price: Go the lunch specials if you want to save $, otherwise mains vary from $30-50

Location: 42-48 the promenade, Sydney

Opening Hours: 
Monday to Thursday 11:30am to 10:30pm
Friday 11:30am to 11pm
Saturday 9:30am to 11pm
Sunday 9:30am to 10:30pm

Weekend Food Escapes dined as guests of the venue or their representatives. All photos, opinions and words are my own.