While the phrase ‘authentic Italian’ is bandied around a lot, twin co-owners and managers Paolo and Marco Orso have the personal heritage and professional experience to back it up. Marco has just returned from five years running a restaurant in Milan, and Paolo has just finished up running the floor at Mosman’s Ormeggio at The Spit. Mantecato is a risotteria, a restaurant that specialises in risotto, and head chef Luca Bianchi has perfected the dish at Quattro Paste, the former name of the premises.
In the way of all good Italian families, The owners of this Balmain local (and also Balmain’s Rosso Pomodoro Pizzeria) have teamed up with twin brothers Paolo and Marco Orso as restaurant managers and co-owners to create the new risotteria experience.
Mantecato is the name given to the final, vigorous whisking-in of butter – an essential technique in making risotto - this Italian favourite is the house specialty. One of the secrets is in the rice itself: Italy’s finest carnaroli grains, Tenuta Castello Carnaroli, are imported by us directly from the Piedmont region.
The Orso brothers will also be able to indulge their shared passion for Italian wines, directly importing many boutique labels, some exclusive. Mantecato has brought the twins together again; Marco has just spent five years running restaurants in Milan, while Paolo is fresh from running the floor at Mosman’s Ormeggio at The Spit.
Expect convivial hospitality, authentic Italian accents, deft and traditional cooking and a gorgeously rustic new look. Come for a quick midweek bite or for a full dining experience and you’ll be welcomed with affable service to match.
