La Favola, Newtown

La Favola is located on King St Newtown and its shop front is unassuming. It's mostly by word of mouth where people will know about the quality of food at La Favola. On this particular day, I end up sitting outside to enjoy the people watching and numerous people stop and comment on how great the food looks.

The inside is cosy and casual but generally I like sitting outside where there is natural light for beautiful photos. To kick off the meal, Mr Weekend Food Escapes enjoys a cocktail of the day which is a fruity concoction of mango and mint and I think tequila ($15). There's also everyone's favourite summer drink of Aperol Spritz ($14). The drinks are calming and relaxing - exactly what I need after a long week at work.

Mr Weekend Food Escapes and I share a number of entrees including the Carpaccio ($22). The carpaccio is served with parmesan, truffle oil, rocket and crispy kale. The truffle oil really brings all the flavours together and the texture from the meat contrasts with the crispy kale. It's a very well put together dish.  I end up eating some of the meat with the Artisan Focaccia ($6) while snacking on some of the olives ($4). The focaccia is infused with oregano and rosemary flavours. Salty olives is always an enjoyable way to start the meal. It activates the tastebuds.

Next up is one of La Favola's specials - the Tuna Tartare with green beans, finger lime, almonds and creamy goat's cheese. This dish is so beautifully presented and looks like a work of art. The green beans act as a base to the tuna tartare which tastes really light on the palette. This dish is refreshing  and makes as a complementary dish to the carpaccio.

For Mains, we have the Gnocchi Sorrentina which has home made potato gnocchi with sorrentina sauce with fresh cherry tomato, basil and mozzarella. This dish sounds really simple with simple ingredients but it's so delicious. The gnocchi is light, fluffy and soaks up the tomato flavours. Tomato, basil and mozzarella are winning flavour combinations.

As summer approaches, you may also want to order the Spaghetti al pesto with authentic basil pesto. It's been some time since I've eaten pesto so I do miss those peppery basil flavours. The spaghetti is evenly coated in the pesto and both Mr Weekend Food Escapes slurpe the strands of spaghetti. So simple but delicious. 

For dessert, we share the Lemon Semi Freddo. The lemon semi freddo looks like a piece of art! Look at those circular lines and the thin biscuit base that holds the semi freddo. I scoop on the raspberry granita and get ready with my fork. The semi-freddo is full of lemon flavours which is subtly sour and the sweetness from the raspberry granita balances this out nicely. What a sweet way to finish the meal. I highly recommend.

Oh wait, actually the best way to finish a meal is a shot of limoncello ($7.50) or the Manderin Mandarinetto ($7.50). What a hit of alcohol and flavour at once. Yes!

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed my lunch at La Favola. Spread the good word and stop by for delicious entrees, really simple and well executed pasta dishes and the this sophisticated and amazing Lemon Semi-Freddo! I came early to have lunch but by mid lunch hour (1pm or so), the place was basically full.

Price: Most mains - $22-29

Location: 170 King St, Newtown

Opening Hours: 
Monday to Thursday 5:30pm to 10pm
Friday 5:30pm to 11pm

Saturday 11:30-3pm, 5:30pm to 11pm
and Sunday 11:30-3pm, 5:30pm to 10pm

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