We don’t normally head up north that often, but we certainly had to make time for Anthony’s Cucina & Pizzeria. Named after owner Anthony Troncone, his restaurant recently won the award for Best Family Dining Restaurant at the SA 2018 Awards for Excellence.

Entrees

The Antipasto platter consisted of traditional cold meats, preserved and pickled vegetables, provolone cheese, mixed olives and grissini bread sticks. We then had Maiale which was tender and juicy, and served with a sweet apricot gel. The Zucchini and Haloumi Fries were the healthier version of your standard bowl of chips. The Polpette were juicy pork and veal meatballs covered in a rich tomato sauce. The Arancini were golden brown on the outside with a delicious filling of pea and ricotta cheese inside.

Mains

The Cacciucco was a garlic and chilli broth containing scallops, prawns and calamari rings. The Gamberi were skewers of chargrilled prawns sitting on a bed of salad. The Anatra was a glazed confit duck leg sitting on a bed of nuts and vegetables. The Riso e Salsicce was a rich and creamy risotto topped with juicy pork sausages.

Pastas

The Calamarata Alla Marinara was a thick ring pasta that was cooked with scallops and prawns. The Linguine Granchio was the best I’ve had with generous morsels of blue swimmer crab. The Penne Salsiccia contained minced pork with fennel sausage with cherry tomato, roasted capsicum and olives.

Pizzas

The Salumi pizza was topped with cacciatore pepperoni, olives and mozzarella cheese. The Contadino is like carbs on carbs. It consisted of potatoes, mushroom and rosemary. Anthony’s pizza had a bit of everything with ham, salami, mortadella, pickled green tomato, mushroom and mozzarella.

Desserts

The Panna Cotta was made from a rich chocolate cream surrounded by a Morello cherry compote. The Flourless Chocolate Cake was decadent and the perfect gluten free option. The Tiramisu is an Italian classic and contained traditional coffee and chocolate with layers of deliciously creamy Strega cream.

Anthony’s Cucina is open for dinner Tuesday–Sunday 5:30pm–9pm and lunch on Fridays from 12pm–3pm. On weekends, lunch is also served from 8:30am–3pm.

WHERE: 683 Lower North East Rd, Paradise