Review

Bianca, with its open kitchen, enticing ceramic tile flooring, and outstanding Italian fare, has a welcoming ambience. Begin with an antipasti wooden board of Italian delicacies, showcasing an array of meats and cheeses, including mortadella, salami, Parma ham, stracciatella, parmesan and pecorino; accompanied by breads and extra virgin olive oil. Continue with a classic fritto misto, comprising crunchy and golden prawn, squid, sea bass and vegetables, with an accompanying aioli dip. Try bruschetta, traditional Caprese perhaps, truffle chicken liver, or vibrant and spicy nduja; all fun, table pass arounds. There is a mix of familiar classics, such as osso buco with saffron risotto, and classics with a twist including Bianca’s lasagna, served as a trio of mini circular rolls of layered pasta stuffed with rich pork and beef Bolognese, with Parmesan and ricotta. Coppa stagionata is the recommended pizza, crispy Coppa di Parma ham making for a satisfying contrast to the creamy and aromatic smoked stracciatella. Through to dessert, chocolate dolce vita is chocoholic’s heaven, while Bianca’s tiramisu sums up the experience here, delicious with unexpected sparkle. The drinks menu is extensive, with a wide selection of cocktails, both classic and signature, refreshing mocktails, Italian beers and sodas, Bianca’s spritzes, a wine list with several French classics, and over sixty different Italian wines from Prosecco through to full bodied Tuscan.