Centonove - Kew - review

Name: Centonove
109 Cotham Rd
Kew 3101 VIC

Phone: (03) 9817 6468

Food: Italian, ModOz
Average price: Entree: $18-24, Mains: $29-42, Dessert: $13-14

Complimentary: Bread with marinated assorted olives.

We ordered:

Entrée: Antipasti - $22

A rather good antipasti, Mr.M particularly, and surprisingly liked the ceviche.

Heirloom tomatoes, oregano, tarragon, goats curd - $18

Simple but packed full of flavour, I enjoyed every mouthful, especially with the assortment of herbs.

Potato gnocchi, sage, brown butter and truffled pecorino - $30

Whilst the overall flavours were nice, I felt that the dish was overall, a touch 'soggy', especially the sage which wasn't crisp.

Suckling pig with parsnip, radicchio and shallot jam and mustard fruit jus - $38

Chocolate parfait, sour cherry and pistachio financier, cherry ice cream - $14.5

I have to admit that when I first read the dessert menu I wasn't particularity excited by anything as I am not much of an ice-cream fan. I soon changed my mind once I tasted this dish. The chocolate parfait, although I wouldn't really call it a parfait, was delicious, and when paired with the moorish financier complete with a sour cherry tang, and the delicious cherry ice cream, this dish was a winner. It was a fantastic combination of chocolate and cherry.

Passionfruit semi freddo, coconut sorbet and pineapple salad - $14.5

Once again this dish didn't sound exciting to me, but the flavour combination spoke for itself. A classic tropical medley with tartness, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness was a very refreshing and light dessert.

Cost: $137 - for two entrees, two mains, and two desserts. 

Service: Great. Food arrived quickly and our water was kept topped up.

Atmosphere: Chilled but classy. The decor is dark, modern and elegant with a large chandelier, marble topped bar and pieces of marble in the red concrete floor. The lower level is cramped compared to upstairs which is filled with light from the large windows, the tables are also spaced decently apart.

Parking: Ample - there is decent street parking.

Website: http://www.centonove.com.au/centonove.htm

Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm

Would I return: Yes.