The Eagle Street pier dining precinct is unique in a way, a dining precinct where a large percentage of its restaurants offer fine dining-quality food but in a semi-casual setting. Il Centro plays its part as the token Italian restaurant on the strip.
Offering an impressive selection of pan-Italian dishes with creative Modern Australian influences, Il Centro holds a certain class to its dishes whilst still maintaining a casual dining atmosphere.
Seating is in the form of a single large dining room with views of the kitchen and full bar. There is also seating outside.
The food menu is organised into the typical Italian sections of antipasti, primi, pasta and risotto, secondi and verdure (salad). Standouts include the hugely popular sand crab lasagne and BBQ spatchcock. Daily specials across all the categories and are displayed on a chalkboard that is wheeled around to each table upon seating.
On this visit I ordered the arancini to start and a main of the daily special veal saltimbocca. The arancini was filled with truffle and taleggio topped with sautéed wild mushrooms. Two divine rich flavoured ingredients combined, offset slightly by the rice so to be not overpowering. A wonderful dish.
The saltimbocca was equally impressive with juicy and tender strips of veal, delicately wrapped with prosciutto on a bed of mascarpone mash and broccolini, completed by a drizzling of red wine jus.
Wanting to continue this exciting dining experience, I ordered the daily special dessert of raspberry soufflé. Straying from the usual chocolate, the raspberry was a nice refreshing choice with its sweet berry flavours, although maybe slightly too sweet.
Service was excellent with many of the waitstaff entertaining casual conservation throughout the courses. Combined with its bridge views, Il Centro is perfect for an eclectic Italian casual dining experience, at reasonable prices for the quality of the food produced, and in a great location.