I spend quite a bit of time in Pyrmont, walking to and from the city to my boyfriends work on Jones Bay Wharf. On countless occasions, I’ve looked up at a restaurant with incredible harbour views… Wondering what restaurant this was and when I could make a reservation….

 Then an invitation from Zomato came through, inviting me along to experience Balla at The Star. After some quick research, I accepted inviting both Jessie and Wes along to the Italian restaurant I’ve had my eye on. I knew we we’re in for a treat, I dressed a little fancy wearing soft neutrals.

 We started things off with cocktails, whilst overlooking the menu. Then jumped over to wine when the food came out. Venue manager and Sommelier Piero Fonseca had put together and extensive wine list, with most of the wines from Italy.

For entrée we shared Zucchini flowers, the calamari and a specials dish, the chef insisted we try. 

Moving onto mains we went with the spaghetti a Balla favourite – this dish stays on the menu each season. We also shared the veal and the Marrons and Yamba prawns cooked on the wood-fire grill, served with sides of roasted rosemary potatoes and grilled broccolini. The food was fresh and flavorsome and not too fancy.

Head Chef Gabrielle Taddeucci came over to speak to us whilst we we’re finishing mains, mentioning the menu at Balla is neither a traditional nor modern, and that he has taken influence from different regions throughout Italy.

 You can really taste the quality and the preparation time that has gone into the food. With everything made in house just as they would have in Italy. From the bread and pasta, the mainly organic ingredients, and the sustainable seafood and free-range meats cooked using Italian traditions.

Dining out with Jessie and Wes, dessert is always ordered. With Gabrielle’s recommendation we ordered Balla’s specialty a Tiramisu, the roasted peach lemon sabayone (my favourite) and the vanilla semifreddo.

 

Skirt | Sheike from MidCity Centre 
Top | Forever New from MidCity Centre 
Shoes | Rubi Shoes 
Necklace | Amber Sceats

Photographer | Wesley Tan