La Giara at the Italian Forum, Leichhardt

Fresh smoked salmon carpaccio

I'd always dismissed the Italian Forum in Leichhardt as being a bit touristy and over the top, but I have to admit that clip-clopping your way down through a cobbled narrow passageway to emerge into a Tuscan-themed piazza does have its appeal.

The marble fountain in one corner, presided over by a statue of Dante, is surrounded by shrieking exciteable children as expected, and the casual relaxed movement of people within the square does create a pleasant community atmosphere, missing from so much of Sydney these days it seems.

There are nine restaurants and two cafes on the piazza level. Competition is fierce which is why we find it hard to resist the special $19.90 3-course meal at La Giara.

It's incredible value, considering that most of their mains are $12-$20. You almost feel guilty for not paying more at the end of the meal.

Prosciutto carpaccio al limone

I had the prosciutto (more thickly sliced than I'm used to), the mushroom risotto and the hazelnut and chocolate torte, which had been warmed in the microwave to a gooey comforting hug of sweetness.

Ravioli bolognese $10.00 (kids meal)

Pesce al limone

Risotto ai funghi

Risotto with king prawns

Pecan nut torte

Hazelnut and chocolate torte

Simple cucina-style fare in family-friendly surrounds.

La Giara @ The Italian Forum
35 The Italian Forum
23 Norton Street, Leichhardt, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9518 3455

Lunch 11am-4pm
Dinner 4pm til late

3-Course Special $19.90 (Saturday $26.50)
Select one from each

Entrees:
Fresh smoked salmon carpaccio
Insalata caprese
Bruschetta romana
Prosciutto carpaccio al limone

Mains:
Risotto with king prawns
Risotto al funghi
Penne sorrentina
Linguine al salmone
Mushroom crepes
Veal saltimbocca
Chicken parmigiana
Pesce al limone
Salt and pepper calamari

Desserts:
Homemade tiramisu
Sticky date pudding
Baked ricotta cheesecake
Lemon torte
Caramel cheesecake
Hazelnut and chocolate torte
Chocolate mudcake
White chocolate mudcake
Pecan nut torte

6 Comments:

At 11/14/2006 4:07 am, Yvo Sin said…

Looks fantastic and is leaving my tummy very grumbly!!!
At 11/14/2006 1:51 pm, Anonymous said…

I live in the Forum and I can't believe you chose that one! We've had some dodgy dining experiences there (instant mash anyone?) but you can't beat the dinner deal or lunch deal. Maybe it's just ordering off the menu that's disappointing.

Admittedly a lot of the other restaurants are pretty much the same. La Vigna, Sappore, La Scala and Il Duomo all have the same thing. Good if you like Pollo Al Limone. Co-incidentally they're owned by the same guy with the exception of Il Duomo.

Two dining tips. Avoid Caesars. Had appalling service and never went back. Dante's is the best of the lot there. Service is good, except for the maitre'd who's a goose and the food is a cut above the usual Forum fare.
At 11/14/2006 3:54 pm, Tubby said…

Hey, that's quite cheap for what looks to be good Italian food! Thanks for posting this, I'll check it out some day. The Pesce al limone looks nice, wonder how it tastes? Great photgraphy as always Helen =) And did you go to the Phuoc Hue Fundraising Dinner? I went and was wondering if you did lol. Well, if you haven't you can always check it out at blog as I've updated it finally! =)
At 11/14/2006 4:33 pm, shez said…

i'm pretty sure that's the one my family & i went to last year. in the back left hand corner right?

i remember the lemon tart being excellent - though i don't often say no to lemon tart.
At 11/14/2006 5:42 pm, Jen said…

wow what a bargain! I'll be making my way here soon. Thanks for the tip.
At 11/15/2006 2:01 am, Anonymous said…

That hazelnut & chocolate tart looks good! :)