Images: Gautier Chauffrut
Ten years can pass quite quickly when the pasta is being tossed through a flaming cheese wheel and the fun never stops.
This year, Godi La Vita is celebrating a decade on King William Road, marking ten years since the Hyde Park restaurant first opened as a bold Italian dining adventure, quickly growing into one of Adelaide’s most recognisable spots for lively, flavour-filled nights out.
From the familiar warmth and slow buzz around the venue, to the families, couples and regulars enjoying the quality of a homemade pasta dish, it’s the kind of spot that speaks for itself.
At its core, Godi La Vita stands out for its commitment to quality. Every dish is designed with intention, from house-made elements like fresh pasta, in-house Stracchino cheese and sauces, to carefully developed signature dishes such as the cheese wheel pastas.
Stepping into the venue, you could almost mistake the warm lighting, alfresco dining and aromas of cheesy pasta for a spot in the heart of Italy.
But since it’s right here in Adelaide, we’ll consider ourselves lucky to have it on our doorstep.
The hot spot has even turned some of its most iconic flavours into ready-to-use sauces and dressings, giving Adelaide the chance to take home and remake the best of the best from Godi.
Head chef Federico Godi said the famous cheese wheel all started with a creamy mushroom Parmesan wheel.
“(It) was surprisingly big when we first saw it, and has a bold deep flavour that pairs very well with the mushroom sauce, then we added the pecorino wheel with walnut and pears which give a little sweetness to contrast the sharpness of the Sheep cheese” Federico said.
“And last the Piave wheel, as we wanted some spiciness and slight acidity from the tomato of the Amatriciana sauce.
“All recipes are made in order to surprise the palate,” he said.
Head chef Federico Godi never fails to satisfy the cravings of customers walking through the door and many look forward to the open display kitchen.
Through the years, both Federico and his team have seen many characters pass through the doors, but one group stands out most.
“They heard about us from another sailor and they were so excited to come to us for our flaming Cheese Wheel,” Federico said.
“My wife and I were closing up the restaurant and we found all these sailors out the front and they were so disappointed that we had just closed, as this was their highlight during their travels to dine at Godi La Vita in Australia,” he said.
So did Federico let them go by disappointed? Absolutely not, he opened the doors after hours and the sailors enjoyed a bit of a VIP dining experience with the whole venue to themsleves.
“They were absolutely appreciative and we all had such a great time making it a memorable night listening to their stories.”
With many more memorable nights to come, from new visitors to weekly regulars, everyone should try Godi La Vita at least once.
Godi La Vita
Where: 162B King William Rd, Hyde Park
When: Wed/Thus/Fri/Sat/Sun from 11.30am until late
For more information, click here.
