Pilu at Freshwater

When it comes to the food, forget what you think you know about Italian cuisine. The sophisticated menu is inspired by owner Giovanni Pilu’s Sardinian heritage with a la carte an option, as well as a degustation menu.

A specialty dish at Pilu.

Moore Rd, Freshwater

[phone]

pilu.com.au

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, the heritage-listed beach house nestled among manicured gardens at the top of the hill at Freshwater is where you want to be.

Here, laidback Aussie beach vibes meet fine dining, with a coastal postcard view to match, making it the perfect destination to pop open a few bottles of bubbly and settle in for the long haul.

The restaurant is bright and airy, accentuated with soft grey furnishings, timber floorboards and arched windows, creating a welcoming space that’s wonderfully homey.

Pilu at Freshwater.

When it comes to the food, forget what you think you know about Italian cuisine. The sophisticated menu is inspired by owner Giovanni Pilu’s Sardinian heritage. A la carte is an option, but it’s hard to deny the five- or eight-course degustation, with the option to pair wine, of course.

The extensive 31-page, award-winning wine list is not just for show.

High-quality produce makes the lamb tartare with blue cheese and blueberries a memorable starter.

One of the dishes at Pilu.

A generous serving of malloreddus — a Sardinian-style gnocchi cooked al dente in a venison ragu — is a pasta lover’s dream.

Premium Hiramasa Kingfish cooked over charcoal comes dressed pretty in pink. The firm flesh and delicate sweet flavour makes it the perfect dish between courses.

Then there’s the signature free-range suckling pig, tender and juicy, with to-die-for crackling. And even a simple rice pudding becomes a modern piece of art with moscato-poached rockmelon and black pepper gelato.

● Cuisine: Modern Sardinian

● Chefs: Giovanni Pilu and Federico Porceddu

● Price: $$$$

● Bookings: Yes

● Hours: Lunch (Tues-Sun from 12pm); Dinner (Tues-Sat from 6pm)