Let’s be real – you can never have too many options for Italian cuisine. Not only is the country home to so many diverse regional styles, but even Italy’s most-recognisable dishes are endlessly popular (if anyone says they’re over pizza, report them to the authorities). For Olive & Angelo’s owner and head chef Angelo Leonforte, his restaurant’s offering is inspired by a lineage of cooks who have passed recipes from generation to generation – from his grandmother to his father and now to him. Angelo’s style of hospitality is an extension of these familial roots, where every person leaves feeling like they dined with Angelo and his family. Angelo’s own trattoria (which opened late last year) boasts a brilliant CBD location on Edward Street – a space familiar to some as the former home of Moda. Flush with lush greenery and plenty of open-air seating, the restaurant is equipped with a woodfired pizza oven, a sturdy central bar and room for a range of functions (with a maximum capacity of 250 guests).

Olive & Angelo’s menu is designed to be as authentic and truthful to the family recipes that had been carefully passed down. The lunch and dinner menu starts with an array of antipasto dishes, including focaccia, fresh buffalo mozzarella, paprika-dusted calamari, assorted salumi, baked spicy Sicilian pork sausage and woodfire-oven-baked olives. Then, it’s pizza time! All of Angelo’s handmade pizza bases are naturally risen for 48 hours and are made from stone-ground unbleached flour, EVOO, sea salt and filtered water. Classic Napoli and margherita pizzas are on offer, as well as the spicy Romana and the vegan-friendly verdura. Angelo’s pasta is top notch, too – made using Italian flour, water, free-range eggs and salt. We love the sound of the purple pappardelle, which comes with beets, dukkah, coconut feta and black olives, and the oven-baked lasagne, doused in bechamel, bolognese and grana padano. To finish, you have tiramisu, Nutella pizza, torta di banane and affogatos – ending proceedings on a sweet note. The drinks list features a selection of wines, beers, spritzes and cocktails, but those keen to keep a lid on things can opt for craft mocktails made using the alcohol-free spirit Seedlip.

Take note: In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Olive & Angelo is also offering its menu through Uber Eats or takeaway, so you can get your pasta fix while social distancing! Head to the Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.