SkyCity, Gilruth Avenue, Mindil Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
+61 8 8943 8888.
Thanks to tricky marketing, people who have yet to dine at Il Piatto (the plate) can tell you all about the $300 focaccia, featuring ingredients such as 12-year aged Sicilian goat’s cheese and prosciutto made from jamón Ibérico pata negra. But anyone who has eaten at this elegant new beachside restaurant is more likely to enthuse about humbler dishes: the degustazione di affettati brings together prosciutto, salami, bresaola and mortadella with house-made bread and pickled vegetables; the $15 pizza Italia is a perfect marriage of tomato, mozzarella and fresh herbs. The wine list includes a smattering of Italian wines. Eat outside and watch the sea or inside where you can see chef Paolo Milanesi and his team at work in the open kitchen. The only downside is the access through the smoke and poker machines of the casino. The long way around, past the pool, is more pleasant.
Open: lunch & dinner seven days. Licensed. Mains $25-$45.WebsiteSource:
Qantas The Australian Way May 2009