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Aromi

Italian has defined Melbourne 2019 and Aromi in Brighton is Paolo Masciopinto and Salvatore Montella’s (ex Sarti, Bar Carolina) contribution to the canon.

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The monte bianco. Picture : Nicki Connolly
The monte bianco. Picture : Nicki Connolly

312 New St, Brighton

(03) 9592 1592

aromirestaurant.com.au

Italian has defined Melbourne 2019 and Aromi in Brighton is Paolo Masciopinto and Salvatore Montella’s (ex Sarti, Bar Carolina) contribution to the canon.

And it’s up there with the best, for Masciopinto is turning out some truly excellent versions of the classics.

Start with his knockout gnoccho fritto, for this puffy fried dough square stuffed with soft cheese and draped with wagyu bresaola is one of the best snacks you’ll eat this year. A two-bite take on parmigiana – where a crumbed crescent of eggplant is topped with tomato, mozzarella and basil – is equally tasty, while his version of vitello tonnato is as deftly delicious as it is perfectly pretty.

Pastas are highlight, whether tomatoey spaghetti that comes twirled around a generous amount of crab topped with shaved macadamia, or a textbook gnocchi that sees the pan-tanned pillows tossed through a chunky rabbit ragu rich with heady porcini. It alone is worth a trip to Brighton.

The small, mainly Italian list is filled with good drinking, and service, led by Montella, is perfectly pitched to keep well-heeled locals on repeat.

As is the Monte Bianco to finish, a hazelnut tart take on the traditional chestnut mousse dessert that comes dusted with white chocolate “snow”.

Aromi proves that owner-operated Italian delivered with pride and passion will always steal our hearts.

Must-eat dish: Monte Bianco

Cuisine: Contemporary Italian

Chef: Paolo Masciopinto

Price: $$

Open: Mon-Sat dinner; Fri-Sat lunch

Bookings: Yes

BYO: Monday night only

Instagram: @aromi_restaurant

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/delicious-100/aromi/news-story/8e686b26cd680c5349889e9a576b2f03