Rosetta Ristorante & Italian Fare @ The Crown Casino

Rosetta Ristorante is definitely a better-than-average Italian joint and considered one of the best restaurants in Melbourne per the Gourmet traveler.  It’s located inside the Crown Casino. 

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The patio has a great view of the Yarra river, South Wharf Promenade and a portion of Melbourne’s skyline.  The patio tables are pretty comfortable and covered with white table cloths to present an elegant dining experience.  It made me wonder what I was doing there in the first place.  I hate going to restaurants where I can’t act obnoxious, burp or fart, and have my kids crying and running around the place.

With that said, the service was mixed to be honest.  I didn’t like the hostess giving us a weird look when we came in with jeans and sneakers.  I didn’t see the issue with my “Fuck the police” t-shirt and Jordans.  Come on, man.  I waited in line for those Jordans for two days.  However, I get it.  Rosetta’s status as one of the best restaurants in Melbourne has gotten to its head like Donald Trump when he picked up a few million followers on Twitter.  I know they’re apart of the Rockpool group but take it easy especially when there isn’t a dress code listed on their website.

On the other hand, our waiter was more than helpful, accommodating and had recommendations.  He explained Rosetta’s dining style for my cousins who never dined at an Italian restaurant.  However, I’m pretty sure they have but they’re not foodies aka fatties like myself that remembers details of restaurants.

Now, the cibo.  Rosetta didn’t offer a tasting menu and everything on the menu was a la carte.  We tried a good number of items off the menu but I’m going to focus on my favorite items.

1. Spaghetti (aka Spaghetti) – The squid ink spaghetti was definitely tasty and full of flavor.  It was a bit salty but it wasn’t overbearing where it overpowered the pasta.  It was a step down from a la dente and topped with Cloudy Bay clams.  The only other spaghetti that was better was from Olive Garden cause they offer unlimited bread.

   

2. Polipo (aka Octopus) – Octopus and potato salad with lemon, capers, and parsley.  This was definitely tasty; it was very zesty and tangy.  However, the octopus was a bit gamy for me.  It reminded me of something that should be serve in Spring or Summer time in a patio.  Wait never mind.  I dined here in the patio the first week of December which is Australia’s Summer.

   

3. Maialino de Latte (aka Suckling Pig) – This is probably one of the most memorable Suckling Pigs I ever had.  There was a crunch in every bite due to the crispy skin; the pig’s meat was pale and tender.  It was laid over a bed of greens which I didn’t really notice until I ate all of the pig.  I tend to stay away from foods that fall into the healthy category and it’s the reason I don’t get along with vegans and vegetarians.

   

I definitely enjoyed the meal and thought it was a good dining experience.  Rosetta ranks among one of my favorite Italian joints in the world outside of Italy.  I personally found it to be better than Mario Batali’s Babbo Risorante in New York, which has a Michelin star.  Do I think Rosetta deserves a Michelin star?  I don’t know.  Maybe.

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