Wondrous Entertainment (Izgara Turkish grill Clarence Street, Malika Bakehouse Surry Hills) has launched Gina, a restaurant inspired by Italy’s coastal trattorias.
Group Executive Chef Michael Chang (ex-Maydanoz) is working with Sicilian-born Head Chef Giuseppe Pappalardo, (ex-Canberra’s Molto Italian) to deliver an Amalfi inspired menu of house-made pastas, classic antipasti, seasonal plates, and approachable premium steaks starting from $35.
Among the snacks is the scallop crudo with blood orange and bagna cauda, and the calamari with soppressata and XO. The pasta menu includes calamarata with wild mushrooms, ricotta, and hazelnuts; casarecce with grass fed lamb ragu, rosemary, and parmesan; and pappardelle with Moreton Bay bug, chilli oil, and cherry tomatoes.
Grant Collins has curated the cocktail menu, experimenting with Italian classics and modern flavour combinations. The 200-bottle wine list includes Italian and Australian varietals.
Gina is the next step in the portfolio of owners Efe Topuzlu and Ozgur Sefkatli. The duo worked with menu development consultant and chef Arman Uz on the project.
Photography by Steven Woodburn.