Del Giorno's Cafe Restaurant
Dinner Review
Modern Australian
I was travelling for work and needed a place to eat for the night, so asked for some advice in one of the local business I was visiting. The suggested response was Del Giorno's overlooking the coast. By the time I returned to my hotel I had forgotten the name, so I Googled restaurants in Port Lincoln and sure enough it came up again, voted number one on Trip Advisor. The venue was only walking distance from my hotel so I decided to give it a go.
When I arrived the place looked similar to a cafe; the layout was very relaxed; the venue had various clientele - some only drinking coffee and others having a meal. When I approached the counter I was advised that I could sit at any table which wasn't reserved. The system for ordering was simple; read the menu provided and order from the bar. Shortly after I sat I was greeted by my waitress, Narelle, who delivered my complimentary bread and a bottle of chilled water with a glass of ice. Narelle offered me a drink which she said she would happily deliver to my table and add to my tab. I chose a Coopers Sparkling Ale to cool down, freshen up and to cleanse my pallet, and Narelle then took me through the specials and clearly explained the system for ordering.
After some deliberation over the menu I settled on the following:
Eye fillet steak with garlic prawns on mashed potato with wild catch Spencer Gulf king prawns cooked in creamy garlic sauce (ordered medium rare).
Side: selection of fresh steamed vegetable.
To accompany my meal I requested a glass of the Lincoln estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
When the steak arrived it looked amazing. Easily 300 grams (although the menu didn't specify), it sat high on the mash with 3 reasonable sized prawns on top. The meat was perfectly cooked and tasted delicious, and the potato was perfectly seasoned. The garlic sauce was well balanced and didn't overpower the meal with an excessively garlic-y taste. The steamed veg side was most impressive however, as it included a rare combination of red and green capsicum, celery, zucchini, carrot and red onion; this is a thoughtful arrangement and was a wonderful surprise when compared to my expectations of the regular beans and broccoli mix one might expect. The wine was a great accompaniment, with a full bodied flavour and sweet vanilla like after taste.
As I completed the various elements of my meal, Narelle remained prompt and attentive; removing any empty bottles and plates and asking how I was progressing. The dining experience was wonderfully satisfying, and it was only complimented by the gorgeous views over the ocean. Many other patrons around me ordered the deep sea flathead, resting on Japanese udon noodles and julienne vegetables finished with red curry sauce. Narelle assured me that it was a local favourite - so definitely one to check out next time.
This venue has certainly earned its number 1 rating on Trip Advisor, and it is a combination of ambiance, service and great food that has done it. Be sure to check it out next time you are in town.
Paul Rodda
Average Menu Pricing
Breakfast $12.40 - $14.90
Snacks and extras $1.50 - $5.00
Entrees $14.50 - $16.00
Mains $11.50 - $32.00
Sides $5.00 - $7.90
Deserts available in display fridge
Where: Del Giorno's Cafe Restaurant - 80 Tasman Terrace, Port Lincoln, SA, 5606
Trading: Monday to Saturday 7.30am to late. Sundays and public holidays 8.30am to late.
Website: www.delgiornos.com.au
Contact: (08) 8683 0577
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.