The first thing that strikes you when you enter L'aperitivo is its size. While the front section is of standard dimensions, a walk down the back reveals a huge atrium courtyard. Conveniently tucked away at the back, this climate controlled area is ideal for functions (it can cater for more than 100 people) or larger bookings.
The first thing that strikes you when you enter L'aperitivo is its size. While the front section is of standard dimensions, a walk down the back reveals a huge atrium courtyard. Conveniently tucked away at the back, this climate controlled area is ideal for functions (it can cater for more than 100 people) or larger bookings.
We decided that it would be the ideal spot in which to sample the cuisine. We visited on a Wednesday night, a particularly popular night thanks to L'aperitivo's $12 pasta and wine offer. While it was obvious that this is what brought the diners in, it soon became clear that it is the quality of the food and service which ensures they come back.
The menu is extensive, with pasta the speciality. Diners have a choice of more than 20 different pasta and risotto dishes and not all the selections are traditional Italian fare. A prime example is the Fettucine Maestro (fettucine combined with chicken breast pieces, mixed vegetables, fresh seafood and a mild curry cream sauce) which fused a seemingly disparate group of foods into a surprisingly delicious combination.
Other stand outs we sampled were the Gnocchi Calabrese (gnocchi served in a Napoli sauce together with hot Calabrese salami, cheese, olives and spring onion) and the Linguine Salmone (linguine served in a mixture of Napoli sauce, smoked salmon, spinach, cheese and a dash of cream).
The pasta servings (which followed an entree of dips, bruschetta and antipasto) were more than enough to sate the appetite but we had to see whether the mains stacked up as well. Once again, we weren't left disappointed.
The Atlantic Salmon served on a bed of mash potato and topped with cranberry was particularly delightful, as was the Veal Scampi (pan fried veal served with king prawns). But the real winner was the Duck and Snake Bean, cooked in mouth watering white wine and ginger and served with bok choy and a selection of steamed vegetables.
We took a break after the mains, to take in the atmosphere and have a chat with the staff. Yossi, Manager of L'aperitivo for the past three years, was our host for the night and it was obvious he enjoyed his role, working the tables with a smile. During our chat he told us that they recently installed roof accoustic panels and that the lighting had been reconfigured to further improve the ambience of the restaurant. He also mentioned that he made the best coffee in Glenhuntly so it was time for some dessert and to put his claim to the test.
Strawberry Crepe with brandy and ice-cream was the recommendation, washed down with a short black. The dessert was exquisite and surprisingly light, but how was the coffee? We had to order a second one because we thought maybe the first one was a fluke. We were wrong, the second was just as good.
Ultimately our L'aperitivo experience provided healthy servings of delicious food provided by friendly and courteous staff in a pleasant environment. What more could you ask for?
L'aperitivo is located at 338-340 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick. Entrees are priced between $7 and $14 (antipasto is $13.80 and is for 2), pastas are priced between $13.80 and $16.50, while mains are in the $23 to $25 range. L'aperitivo is fully licensed (BYO welcome) and is open for lunch 7 days a week, and for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. For bookings phone 9532 9422 or 9523 1573.