Alberto: Italian, Sydney (14 Dec 2018)

17-19 Alberta St, Sydney NSW 2000
http://albertoslounge.com/
https://www.instagram.com/albertoslounge/

New neighbourhood Italian

First impressions of the restaurant life is nice and cosy supported with good service. Generally love a good martini and the Gibson Martini ($22) using Beefeater London Dry Gin is nicely made with 2 tasty pops of pickled onion although I'd love for 3 considering the price. Drink coasters are noticeably cool with some lovely art. Bucatini all'Amatriciana ($26) is a very tasty dish and what it lacks in size it certainly makes up in flavour. There's a pleasant chilli hum and crispy jewels of fried guanciale pork jowl that are very welcomed. This house made pasta dish is purposely sized as an entree so you can enjoy ordering more so best not to count on this dish alone filling you up. Chocolate Cannoli ($8) has a nice thin crisp texture as hoped matched with good flavour. Apparently they're very proud of their house made gelato as well and I was very tempted by the panna cotta as well.

Barbetta, Paddington (23 May 2018)

2 Elizabeth St, Paddington NSW 2021
https://barbetta.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/barbettacucina/

Experience Italy in Paddington

The cake temptation is strong here as soon as you walk in and the cannoli game even stronger with the Pistachio Cannoli ($6). Nice crisp shell and enjoyable flavour. Dish envy awaits with the Pino Pancake - buckwheat pancake, banana with honey or nutella ($7 bambini kids menu). A generous size and worth the 15 minute wait if the little one isn't getting too restless. I wish I could order this just for myself. Gluten free coco nut quinoa with berries, seasonal fruit, organic coconut yoghurt with chia ($15 on menu, $13 on bill) is a yummy and healthy choice. No need to order a side of milk which I did thinking it would need it as there's plenty of fruit and yoghurt in the dish to satisfy. The Cappuccino ($3.50) using Toby's Estate has been good on both my visits. Mini Chocolate Croissant ($5) had nice pastry and was very yummy although quite pricey for the size I guess — keeps the calories down though. Soy & Linseed Sourdough ($6, 2 slices) add Poached Egg ($4) add Avocado ($5) had a perfect gooey egg as hoped.