How exciting to have not one but two Matt Moran eateries open up in Canberra. Compa advertises itseld as an Italian steakhouse. I’m happy to see a short mocktail menu (at least there is one!).
I try the Amaretti with hazelnut Lyre’s amaretti, lemon, bitters and foam ($16), and the Bittersweet with Lyre’s Italian spritz, Sunny Arvo Organic Noperitivo, orange, citrus, honey and soda.
The scallop with herb butter and pangrattato is in all honesty very expensive at $14 each. It is buttery and delicious but not sure if I’d pay that again. The zucchini flower ($10) is crispy and perfect with plenty of shaved cheese on top.
The prawn casarecce with chilli, garlic, lemon and pangrattato ($38) is perfectly al dente. It’s quite plain as there isn’t really a sauce, but great if you don’t want anything too heavy.
When my 200g eye fillet off the bone ($58) arrives, I’m asked if I like mustard – yes I do. A tray of four mustards is brought out. The eye fillet is cooked perfectly medium rare (I was asked for my preference when ordering), deliciously tender without any seasoning – perhaps just a smattering of salt. The red wine jus is a lovely sticky maroon colour. Everything is delicious.
The side of ‘cacio e pepe’ mac n cheese ($16) is meant to be shared but I order it anyway and take most of it to go. It’s nice and certainly crunchier on top but nothing amazing.
From memory, there are 4 dessert options including a cheese option. To be honest, none of the 4 items resonated with me so I haven’t tried any of them.
Service at Compa is friendly, and there seems to be plenty of staff around asking if you need drink refills or other drink requests. It’s not too difficult to flag someone down when you’re ready to order. There’s plenty of seating inside for various sized groups. Not sure how kid-friendly it is, but I did see a family with pram, baby and toddler being seated (definitely no kids menu).
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