Address: Shed 9, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands,Victoria,
Australia.
Cuisine: Italian
Mushroom Ratings:
Food: 7.5/10
Value: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Mushroom Ratings:
Food: 7.5/10
Value: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Va Bene is an Italian Pizza Restaurant located in the newly industrialized (and secluded) area of Harbour Town (Ghost Town), a 1 minute walk from the city loop tram stop. It's quite a dead area on weekdays, but draws many tourists on weekends.
I came here for a work lunch not expecting very much and idiotically ordered a pasta dish at the Pizza Restaurant. The pasta was quite nice, although what drew me to return was the bold statement on the entrance of the restaurant, claiming this:
Thus, I came back on a Saturday afternoon, hoping that I can get away with not booking, as the place a hidden gem, and I assumed the rain would certainly put off a lot of people from traveling to Harbour Town.
The atmosphere was definitely one where you could have a relaxed casual meal. Or perhaps even a feast, as the tables were long and stretched out, covering around 20 people per table, with a second room of the same size hidden behind the kitchen. The decor was warm and definitely invited camera opportunities.
The first entree ordered was the Polenta Fries, which I assume was made through ground cornmeal. It isn't your typical fries, but made an interesting choice for its distinctly bold yellow colour and size compared to your normal chip.
The next entree was Arancini Balls, and had a nice filling of rice mixed with cheese and other herbs.
It's an interesting treat if you haven't tried it before.
Finally, the main course, the Salsiccia Pizza. A mix of Italian sausage, tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, carmellised onion, fior di latte, oregano and fresh chilli. It was extremely simple for something so packed with flavour.
The pizza slices were stringy with cheese, and the pizza base was thinner than a pancake, slightly crusted at the ends. The caramelised onions had a distinctly different taste that didn't complement the taste of the pizza but wasn't overpowering either.
Overall, I can't crown it the best pizza, but it was worth the trip. I would definitely come back. However, what did stand out, was that by the end of eating the pizza, my fingers were not oily! This gives me the impression that I might have just eaten something healthy! Also because the pastry wasn't so thick, I wasn't stuffed after eating it, and I walked out without the overwhelming feeling of guilt or post-dinner regret.
The next entree was Arancini Balls, and had a nice filling of rice mixed with cheese and other herbs.
It's an interesting treat if you haven't tried it before.
Finally, the main course, the Salsiccia Pizza. A mix of Italian sausage, tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, carmellised onion, fior di latte, oregano and fresh chilli. It was extremely simple for something so packed with flavour.
The pizza slices were stringy with cheese, and the pizza base was thinner than a pancake, slightly crusted at the ends. The caramelised onions had a distinctly different taste that didn't complement the taste of the pizza but wasn't overpowering either.
Overall, I can't crown it the best pizza, but it was worth the trip. I would definitely come back. However, what did stand out, was that by the end of eating the pizza, my fingers were not oily! This gives me the impression that I might have just eaten something healthy! Also because the pastry wasn't so thick, I wasn't stuffed after eating it, and I walked out without the overwhelming feeling of guilt or post-dinner regret.
