Mister Paganini brings authentic Italian to South Bank
Don’t get confused – Mister Paganini isn’t a man, but rather a full-blown Italian experience. This restaurant and deli has set up shop on Grey Street, and is wasting no time in offering an impressive range of Italian fare.
Adding a touch of Italy to the Grey Street strip in South Bank, Mister Paganini is a fresh and inviting eatery that boasts all of the traditional flavours of Italian cuisine with a few modern twists. Fit out with colourful trimmings inviting to diners and those lingering at the bar, Mister Paganini has honed in on a casual bistro-style atmosphere, which gives a comfortable yet effortlessly cool vibe. A large open kitchen is abuzz with activity as chefs whip up antipasti and salumi plates, small dishes, salads, pizzas, pasta dishes and desserts. Catching the eye is an imposing Neapolitan handmade brick pizza oven from Stefano Ferrara Forni, which can cook a pizza in no time at all. In addition to the restaurant proper, Mister Paganini also stocks a range of takeaway goods at its delicatessen. Coffee, fresh salads, rolls, Italian pastries and sweets will be prepared daily for those on the move.
The sit-down menu follows a less-is-more approach, where the taste does the talking. Steve Wildermoth, formerly of Ortiga, Sorellina and Moda has crafted a comprehensive menu of dishes, boasting rustic presentation and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Patrons can start their meal with Italian bites such as bruschetta, house-made garlic bread or a selection of prosciutto, cacciatorini, ‘nduja, cheese and breads. A selection of small plates are offered for those looking to sample a range of dishes – grilled prawns wrapped in pancetta, smoked sardines and traditional pork sausages are just some of the selections patrons can snack on before settling in to a smorgasbord of heartier fare. Five red and five white pizzas are available, including options such as the Finocchio with fennel salami, mozzarella and onion to the Verdura, which is topped with tomato, capsicum, eggplant, mozzarella and capers. Traditional pasta dishes are equally as enticing, but those looking to share can order a large dish such as grilled whole chicken with soft polenta, rocket and marsala sauce or the Porchetta with crispy pork belly, fried herb potatoes and pear mostarda. The bar stocks an impressive range of birra (beer), vino frizzante (bubbles), bianco (white) and rosso (red) wines, plus a selection of aperitivo to sip on. For opening hours and contact details, head to the Stumble Guide.
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