Dashingly refined and understated, Vizio is serving an authentic taste of contemporary Italy.
Resting on the fringe of the CBD in Woolloomooloo, Vizio Caffè e Cucina opened in late September 2017. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diners are invited to bathe in the ambience of Italian share plates and relaxed dining.
Circled by a large timber bar, the expansive dining room consists of bar and table seating with communal dining. The expansive beer and wine list offers drops by the glass and bottle at a range of prices. If the list is overwhelming let the bartender choose for you or try a cocktail instead.
Like the drinks list, the food menu is overflowing with Italian wonders. Perfect for after work drinks or a hassle free dinner, Vizio’s salumi and formaggi platters allow you to choose from a minimum of three cured meats or cheeses to share. Prices for 150g segments of meat and cheese start at around $7.50 each.
We share a variety of dishes from the “I Nostri Piatti” selection. The classification of size at Vizio is self-explanatory, the further down the menu, the larger the portion. We start with the Fiori di Zucca ($6). Encased in a battery crumb reminiscent of summer at the beach, the zucchini flower holds an oozy ricotta cream. Topped with a dulcet, yet tangy capsicum coulis, you could easily order round after round of these.
Swimming in a rich, yet endearing gorgonzola sauce, the Beetroot Symphony ($16) sings euphorically. Segments of three juicy beetroot come to life with the assistance of visually pleasing nasturtium flowers and pistachio flakes.
Our first larger plate, albeit far from the expectations of traditional Italian portions, is another reminder of Vizio’s attention to detail. The Gnocchi Rosolati ($27) majestically marries sweet and savoury. The subtle addition of ameretti biscuit fragments sweeten the plump spheres of burnt butter infused pumpkin gnochhi.
The Catch of the Day ($28) changes each time but on this occasion it’s is a gorgeous red snapper fillet. Every day, the inventive dish is paired with perfectly chargrilled carrots, a tarragon dulcet pastella, finely sliced spinach and drops of a zesty gel.
For dessert we try the Poached Pears ($14). Only just retaining their shape, the cinnamon dusted pears are gracious on their own. The velvety whipped panna montata cream and crusty almond crumb add versatile textures to the soothing dessert.
You can take the stress away of choosing dinner plates, with the Nonna’s set menu (starting from $65). For breakfast and lunch Vizio offers a similar approach to Italian simplicity. The Crab Benedict ($16) drizzled in hollandaise, the overwhelmingly healthy Earthy Green Bowl ($15) and the Beef Burger ($18) finished with buffalo mozzarella will no doubt be given a contemporary Vizio flair.
Vizio is no ordinary Italian restaurant. Forget the unconscious fear of pizza, pasta overload, this eatery has perfected its adoration of the less-is-more adage. Nestled amongst the palpitating bustle Wolloomooloo, there is no better place to leisurely meander through a sophisticated Italian feast.
Vizio Caffè e Cucina
Shop 1/52-58 William St, Woolloomooloo
(02) 9358 2231
Open: Mon 7am-3pm, Tues-Fri 7am-late, Sat 8.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-late
http://viziocc.com.au