01 Oct Gemma Simply Italian, Carlton

Earlier this year, Cantina Napoletana became Gemma Simply Italian. In accordance with its namesake, owner Alessandro Bollino sought to serve simple, authentic and not too expensive Italian food. The pasta menu is straightforward, with a choice of either gnocchi or fettucini and the list of sauces listed underneath.

Today I had the Zucca e Striscie di Gambetto San Daniele with fettuccini (pumpkin, strips of Gambetto San Daniele prosciutto, baby spinach and pine nuts). I found it to be a bit too creamy from the pumpkin and the pasta itself appeared to be slightly cold and stuck together. I did have a taste of some other pasta dishes and they were much better, so mine was probably an anomaly. The pizza special for today was the Tartufo with topping including San Daniele prosciutto, mozzarella, truffle oil and rocket. This was particularly nice – can’t beat truffle oil!

Although my dish was not the best, going by the other dishes I tried, Gemma Simply Italian presents quality a big step up from the Italian fare typically found Lygon St and is worth a try.

Zucca e Striscie di Gambetto San Daniele w. Fettuccine- Pumpkin, Stripes of gambetto San Daniele, Baby Spinach, Pinenuts ($17.90)

Gemma Simply Italian
183 Elgin St
Carlton, VIC, 3053
(03) 9349 2835
http://gemmasimplyitalian.com.au/