Otello Trattoria Pizzeria

OTELLO HAS CLOSED DOWN AND BEEN REPLACED BY CHARMING FRENCH RESTAURANT AND BAR THE FRENCH BISTROT.

Otello Trattoria Pizzeria is West End’s go-to for hearty rustic Italian fare, with pizzas hot out of the wood-fired oven on the back deck and pasta made fresh onsite.

Occupying a quaint weatherboard cottage on West End’s main drag, Otello Trattoria Pizzeria is a bit like visiting someone’s Italian grandma’s place and some of the dishes like the must-try tiramisu are from Nonna’s recipes.

While Otello doesn’t reinvent the wheel with its food, it excels in offering tasty traditional fare in a family friendly setting (including a great Bambini menu of dishes* under $10 for the under 12’s).

Diners can start with antipasti such Bruschetta (Al Pomodoro and della Nonna), Arancini, Calamari and delicious Polpette (meatballs) de Morizo in Napoli sauce with green salad and Otello’s own premise-baked crescente bread.

Primi include Fettuccine Gambari, Lasagne, Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with butter and sage/Bolognese or Napoli sauce and the recommended Gnocchi Boscailoa – handmade gnocchi with bacon, mushroom, cream, garlic and Napoli sauce.

There’s also a choice of Risotto (try the Saint Agata – chicken, mushroom, sweet potato, garlic, white wine and cream) and Pasta Secche (dried pasta) with Bolognese, pesto and carbonara sauces.

For Secondi Otello offers Scaloppine Otello (veal with white wine, parsley, garlic and butter sauce) served with mashed potato and Pollo alla Cacciatore amongst the choices. Pair them with sides such as Insalate Miste (green salad) or Friggione (slow cooked onion with fresh tomato and olive oil).

Meanwhile salads are simple and fresh with quality ingredients, like the Insalate Caprese – layered slices of mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato and basil dressed with vinegar and olive oil.

Well worth trying are the pizzas, up there with Brisbane’s best, made by a dedicated Italian pizza cook who trained with one of Italy’s best and is a certified Napoletana Pizza chef.

Toppings are strictly traditional and include Margharita, Siciliana, Marinara, Modena, 4 Formaggi, Bologna and Diavola.

For dessert don’t miss Nonna’s house Tiramisu, otherwise there’s Pere al Vino Rosso (poached pear in red wine with cinnamon, cloves, anise and ice-cream) or Torte di Zio Nero (fig and macadamia nut pudding with butterscotch sauce and coconut ice-cream).

All of this can be washed down with a wine from Italy, New Zealand or Oz or an imported or local beer.

*On the children’s menu are 2 Meatballs in Napoli Sauce, Pizza Piccolo (ham and mozzarella cheese), Spaghetti alla Nepoletana and Penne Regata alla Bolognese.

Need to know - At lunch-time Otello does a range of burgers on Italian style bread for those after something more quick and casual.

Nice to know – Otello’s back deck is a great place for a Sunday lunch with family or friends.