Located on Frome Street, La Locanda is the newest, fine dining, modern-Italian restaurant Adelaide has to offer. When walking in, it was an experience like no other. The dim lighting established the scene for this romantic setting. The golden artwork on the walls accompanied the dangling, golden lights in a type of vision prior to the food arriving.

The Chargrilled Octopus was cooked to perfection. The meat was soft on the inside which had a delicate texture to it yet harsh but delicious barbequed incense. The smokiness busted with flavour and was supported with the soft touch of octopus. It was the perfect antipasto to begin with.

Beef Tartare is a well-known Italian delicacy and one I had not tried before. The yolk oozed from the top and flavoured the raw beef dreamily. Then the two were paired shallots, Dijon mustard and capers. This created a burger like flavour for the pallet and the combination mixed together seamlessly.

The Scallop’s Carpaccio had contrasting textures between the black rice crisps and the softness of the shallots. These two consistencies were merged in the most delicate, yet effective way, leaving us to polish off each scallop quickly. These three antipasto starters began the La Locanda experience at a very high level and we were eager eat more.

The Seafood Pasta was simply exquisite. The taste had the perfect combination of land and sea as the lobster demanded the attention for the majority of the dish. However, the mushroom incense infused the senses and simply added the necessary hit of vegetables this dish needed – which is unlike most other seafood pastas.

When dining at an Italian restaurant and Lamb Ragu is placed on the menu, it is simply rude to not order it. And this dish was no exception with absolutely no regrets after ordering. The lamb added the meaty touch to a well-loved pasta dish. The parmesan was drizzled from all angles and harmonised with this dish impeccably.

After dining through two delicious pastas, it was only necessary for a sweeter touch to change it up. The Pumpkin and Spinach Risotto did not disappoint in this regard. The orange colouring tasted like a party in your mouth. Yet matched with spinach and pine nuts which gave this dish an extra crunch and contrasting feels.

The red wine braised Beef Cheeks were simply falling when cut open as the meat shredded. Cooked to perfection, the beef melted in the mouth yet busted with flavour when paired with the carrot puree. The infused red wine added a crucial flavouring and was simply faultless.

And then to move onto desserts – picture the softest yet crunchy pastry, topped with cream, berries and a berry sauce – that was the Millefoglie Custard. Paired with a scoop of caramel gelati, it was such a sweet finish and grand start to the desserts.

The Panna Cotta was delicately presented and intricately placed on the plate so beautifully. Then the taste matched its look exceptionally. The pleasantness of the panna cotta completed the kiwi pureé in this sweetness combo.

Tiramisu – The Desert Strikes Back. We saved the best dessert until last which was the untraditional tiramisu. We assumed this was a scene out of Star Wars as the dessert was tucked inside a dark chocolate sphere which we cracked open ourselves. The plating did not overtake from its taste and soft sponge cake, crackling chocolate all tied together with the dark chocolate outer layer. Belissimo!

La Locanda is a must try for an Italian cuisine lovers.

La Locanda is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Their lunchtime trading hours are 11.30am to 3pm and dinner trading hours are 5pm to 9.30 pm.

Words by Claudia Dichiera

WHERE: 94 Frome St, Adelaide