La Cantina at the Narrabundah shops offer a 2-course lunch set menu for $19 Tuesday-Fridays. During my holiday break, I headed in to try it out. The polished wooden floorboards, white linen table cloths, a brick facade and European paintings add a lovely touch of elegance. There was a choice of 3 starters and 9 mains for the set menu. I decided on the chef’s mixed bruschetta as the starter – there were two slices, one with fresh tomatoes and basil with a drizzle of balsamic, and another with mushrooms and zucchini. Delicious. I loved the freshness of the vegetables.
As my main, I chose the calzone with tomato, ham and mozzarella. I was really happy with my choice. The calzone had been very generously stuffed full with mozzarella which was juicy, stringy and just so good. You really can’t go wrong with ham and cheese! The dough wasn’t too think and wasn’t too thin but just right to encase all that deliciousness.
I can never resist the tiramisu ($15) on a dessert menu, and ordered this as well. I’m SO glad I did. This is one of the best tiramisu’s I’ve had in Canberra. There’s no liqueur in it (which I prefer), there’s some chocolate sauce, the lady fingers are soft and soaked in a perfect amount of coffee, and I loved the creamy and decadent mascarpone. A fantastic combination of yumminess.
There weren’t that many diners in that day so service was attentive. I was immediately asked if I wanted still or sparkling water when I sat down, with the wine list and food menu provided. The $19 set menu also comes with a coffee or tea, so I thought it was great value for money. I’d love to go back to try more of the pasta dishes especially since all the pasta is handmade on site.
La Cantina
4 Iluka Street, Narrabundah, ACT
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 12-2pm, and 6-10pm
Monday and Saturday: 6-10pm
Foodgasm 8/10
Value for money 10/10
Service 8/10
FPJ score 26/30
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