Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante

My housemate, Shannon, wouldn't stop going on about how good Amalfi Italian Restaurant is, so for a year now, I've been dying for an excuse to pay it a visit. And just how perfect was it, as the restaurant Shannon chose for her birthday dinner (yes, another one - my gorgeous housemate is spoilt!)?

Amalfi Pasta (main size) - $24.00

I've heard about the Amalfi Pasta over and over again! Apparently, some people even have cravings for it! An "egg ribbon pasta with mushroom, pancetta, chilli, and creme sauce", it unfortunately didn't live up to my expectations. Although very well cooked, and with a serving size so generous I couldn't even finish half the plate, my expectations must have been too high. I know I'm not going to have cravings for this, but it was a lovely dish to have nonetheless.

Con Pollo Pasta (main size) - $24.00

This was the other dish I wanted to try after the Amalfi Pasta. "Rigatoni with chicken, pancetta, mushroom, chieves, apricot, pepper and cream sauce", I expected the apricot to give it a sweeter burst of flavour than what I tasted, which was rather 'safe', almost boring. A bit of a letdown, I know to try another dish next time I visit Amalfi (I'm sure it can't be that bad, right?).

Marinara Pizza (main size) - $27.50

This pizza, consisting of "tomato, cheese, marinated prawns, squid, anchovy, mussels, fish and parsley", was the particular dish that Shannon kept recommending I try. I had high hopes for this one, but upon the first bite, I was in for another disappointment. I think the taste of the anchovy in the Marinara Pizza was too overwhelming for my liking. This was a true letdown, and I know I will stay away from this.

Cardinale Pizza (large size) - $27.50

I didn't get a chance to try this, the Cardinale Pizza consisting of "bocconcini, tomato, parmesan, basil, mushroom, prosciutto, and pepper", but boy - it surely looks mouth-watering!

Salt & Pepper Squid - $19.90 (entree size), $27.50 (main size)

Maybe it's time for me to explain myself. I was frantically taking photographs of the different dishes on the table as they came out, and of course, I didn't taste all of them, so I guess that only means it's a good opportunity for me to do so on future visits. The following meals are also those which were on the table, but I didn't try.

Margherita Pizza (small size) - $16.50

Spinaci Pizza (small size) - $18.00

I don't know exactly what it was about that night, but the service was awfully poor! Apart from the one very lovely waiter who brought out the birthday cake, all the other waiters and waitresses displayed such a lack of customer service, it was as if they were terribly bored of being at work. This is highly disappointing when a group of friends come together to celebrate an occasion as momentous as a birthday.

Shannon being surprised as the birthday cake arrived in front of her. This waiter was so pleasant, especially in contrast with all the other waiters who seemed highly uninterested.

Also, my friends who had eaten at Amalfi Italian Restaurant before, informed me that the food wasn't as good as it normally is. So perhaps it was a bad day, or maybe the main head chef was off work, but I was definitely not pleased with my dining experience. I haven't entirely given up on Amalfi just yet, so I'll give it another try sometimes (not soon though).

Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante
29 Frome St, Adelaide, SA
Rating: 6/10