“Le persone che amano mangiare sono sempre le persone migliori”
“The people that love to eat are the best people”
This is the quote that inspired Pranzo venue manager Carmen Panuccio to bring the authentic taste of Italy to Adelaide.
An Adelaide institution, Pranzo’s has been popular among the business clientele of its Financial District location and is famed for hosting long lunches and corporate meetings. While it has always offered authentic Italian food and great coffee, the interior was somewhat dark and uninspiring.
The Pranzo’s of today is not how you know it. Under new owners and management, the venue has been given a complete facelift from the plaster to the pasta.
The dreary inside has been painted, opened up, tiled and styled. The large windows, concrete floors and white tiled feature walls make the space open and inviting with a casual bistro-style layout.
But it’s not just the looks that are new. The food is as well. Don’t worry – it’s still authentic, delicious Italian but now the dishes are quick and fresh. Head chef Dane has a wealth of experience both in Australia and overseas and is now doing wonders in the Pranzo kitchen.
The food, much like the interior is bistro-style. Quick, simple and elegant. In true Italian style, there are just a handful of starters, mains and sides with the simplicity allowing each ingredient to really sing.
While the menu has been designed to benefit the busy corporate clientele, long-lunches are still very much welcomed and encouraged.
“It’s the Italian way” laughs Carmen. “Come and spend the afternoon here. We are a community”.
Using fresh, local produce where possible the menu boasts all your favourites like Cacio e Pepe and Spaghetti Alla Carbonara but also boasts barramundi, 400g Porterhouse steak and roasted pork belly. But the standout? Linguine al Granchio. A tomato-based crab pasta with a hint of chilli and herbs that will leave you with a smile from ear to ear.
Having spent many years in Italy running her own restaurant and raising her two sons, Carmen decided to move back to her home in Adelaide and share her passion for food with all of us (And for that we are thankful).
If you don’t have time for a sit-down lunch, they also have a range of handy takeaway salad bowls and you know there’s a whole range of Italian sweets to choose from as well.
Open from 7am for breakfast and coffee, this little laneway gem is truly a piece of Italy in the CBD and if I have just one recommendation for you before you go: Wear loose pants.
Pranzo is located at 46 Exchange Place, Adelaide 5000
Open Monday – Friday 7am – 2pm
For more information and bookings head to their website
More News
