iMasticate

Photography: Little Miss Contrary

A long overdue catch-up with our favourite teacher from highschool found us in Il Ciao, a cosy family-owned Italian restaurant in Applecross. Our dining companion has eaten more than 500 pizzas over the 12 years of weekly visits to Il Ciao. He never deviates from his favourite item, Margherita pizza with anchovies and extra basil. We made a wise decision to follow his lead, also ordering an entrée sized Fettucine Miramare.

Our meals arrived and we tucked in ravenously. The Fettucine dish was wholesome and they didn’t get stingy with the juicy prawns! Much like my experience in other Italian restaurants, the chilli factor was minimal, but I’m sure they would accommodate a request for extra chilli flakes.

Fettucine Miramare, (entrée size for $17)

The Margherita pizza was very moreish. A great pizza base, the delicious salty anchovies, and not overloaded with cheese. A minor grumble because I always avoid the crust, but it was fixed by folding my pizza slice in half.

Margherita pizza, with anchovies and extra basil (~$16)

We were treated to home-made rocky road, with generous clusters of raspberry jubes, almonds and marshmallows. Despite the hot summer night, it had me licking chocolate from my fingers (so sexy lah). As always, if you can squeeze in dessert, then do it!!

Home-made rocky road

Our hearty meal for three was around $60, including bottled water, corkage and coffees. Reasonable prices, friendly atmosphere and staff that really make an effort to look after you. It’s easy to understand why Il Ciao’s bustling business thrives on regular diners – we will be back!

Summary
Likes: happy chatter in background, meeting the family who own and run the restaurant, generous servings

Dislikes: trying to converse while tennis is playing on the TV (but it was only noisy towards the end of the game), plastic chairs on hot summer nights

Value for money: very reasonable for decent Italian food

Overall: good fun, worth a visit if you’re south of the river

Contact
Address:
71a Canning Hwy
Applecross WA

(08) 9364 9966

www.ilciao.com.au