Cosy and intimate, Cirelli & Co is almost inconspicuous against its surrounding of residential properties on the narrow road that is Albion Street. When darkness falls and the lights turn on, Cirelli & Co shines like a little oasis.

The Arancini are crispy, comforting morsels, made even more homely by the bolognese ragu underneath. Mussels come served in a bread bowl – a novel idea necessitated by a shortage of crockery at one point in time. They do now have more bowls, which help to support the bread which heaves with the weight of the rich, flavoursome sauce that the mussels bathe in.

The Calzone Fritto is a delicious eat. Pizza dough is wrapped around mozzarella and tomatoes before being fried. It’s almost like a toastie full of oozy mozzarella.

The specials board features a few types of pasta that are a little different from what we’d normally see. The gigli pasta spirals come with a generous amount of spinach, and balls of ricotta that have been rolled in pistachio. There are interesting flavours – it needs a little more seasoning. We try another special where parsley has been incorporated into the pasta itself, and it’s teamed up with smoked salmon, orange juice and a very light touch of cream.

We finish with a dessert special – a sweet plum and mixed fruit tart with vanilla ice cream, and the classic tiramisu, which both satisfy.

For authentic Italian and handmade pasta in a warm and friendly environment, Cirelli & Co is a good pick.

Disclaimer: I was invited to Cirelli & Co as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time

Cirelli and Co
454 Albion St
Brunswick West, VIC, 3055
(03) 9386 0009
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