Amore Floreat

Visited this restaurant with friends on a cold, wet Tuesday night. Our booking was for the 6pm sitting. It is only a very small restaurant so there are two sittings per nightThe food was absolutely beautiful. We had the slow cooked pork, chilli mussels and the special lamb dish. All plates were cleaned followed by tiramisu for dessert. We had plenty of time in our allocated time to eat in peace and didn't feel rushed

A little piece of Puglia has arrived Floreat courtesy of Frank and is the incredible team of talented chefs and wait staff. Last night we went along to see what everyone in Perth's western suburbs is talking about and we were not disappointed. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted, as if we had just arrived at the home of our long lost Italian familia and shown to our table which was close to the kitchen, where all the action was happening. This restaurant is tiny, a little rustic with exposed bricks and white walls and three canvas prints to remind you that this is all about Puglia. It's cosy and only seats about 40 people and they are currently doing two sittings per night and everyone was there when we arrived. We were there for the second sitting and so there were no kids, an entirely adult crowd, hooray! This place was buzzing. Its' charming kitchen is fully open and the staff were working frantically to create their own special brand of Mama Mia hold the phone, I think I have died and gone to Puglia. All of a sudden the hanging light fitting started to swing and the music is cranked up loud and Dean Martin was booming out from behind the Bose. 'That's Amore' and Frank and the crew are banging on pots and pans and singing their hearts out and we were all swaying to and fro in time to the musica. This minor distraction and shall I say mood changing moment, after our orders had been taken, was an indicator of what the entire evening was all about, divertimento! Our orders taken, food arrived promptly, we opted for a selection of entrees to share, Calamari, like I have never eaten before, done ever so briefly on a very hot grill with plenty of olive oil and a lightly dressed salad on the side and it just melted in your mouth. The Italian flag was a simple dish done very well, stunning firm mozzarella, tasty tomatoes and fresh basil and delicious garlic bread. Three of our party of six had been to this restaurant three times in the past week and ordered "Best in the world' ravioli, large tasty ravioli filled with ricotta and nuts and topped with a creamy sauce and sundried tomatoes with a stunning red wine and sugar reduction sauce (secret recipe) and pistachio nuts on the side. This was to die for. Gnocchi with salmon was very popular as was my steaming hot bowl of house made Italian sausage, funghi and pea pasta. I'm not a dessert person really but was tempting like Eve in the garden of Eden when Frank described his Cassata ice cream dessert as "the best ina da world" and it was, it is and I want more! We finished off with coffees and headed out the door at 1150 which is an all time record for us...and that folks is what you call a great night out. Great food done very well at affordable prices and delivered with passionate service. There's nothing suburban about this place. Don't dilly dally, make a booking and go and did I mention that it's BYO?!!

Easter Monday a group of friends ate here for the first time, everyone ordered a different meal, and each person loved what they had. The service was friendly and welcoming. We will be back, highly recommend coming here.

I'm probably going to regret this because with just 35 seats in the whole place, it's already difficult enough to get a booking anyway...There are two types of Italian restaurants:Those that take the idea of Cucina Italia and do a deconstructed, modernist expression of it. Pretty to look at, delightful, but meagre.Or those that base it on tradition, in season produce and the best of Mamma's robust table.I liken this little gem to those trattoria's that you will find a few streets away from the tourist strips in Rome and in most small Italian towns. Full of locals and friends.Ninety-two year old Nonna Maria was with us on our first visit and she told the owner that this was the best Italian restaurant she had been to. High praise indeed.Then my mother's birthday a week later. "Best birthday ever".The prices are very reasonable for the quality, and with the added bonus that it's BYO.From recollection, pastas (a big bowl of) start at $18. I have tried the Puttanesca which was delightful. Fresh ingredients here is the key. The seafood pasta was spot on too.The risotto (I tasted my sister's) was delicious.There are three or four regular mains on the menu and specials on the board every night.So far, The Spatchcock - a whole bird, with herbs to grilled perfection.Porchetta - delightful. Not trendy pink. Slow cooked with veg.Lamb shoulder in Barolo red wine - slow cooked with a lusty jus. Couldn't fault it.On the downside, I think that the entrees are not good value. We've never made it to the limited dessert menu as we have been so full.Friendly staff, gregarious Italian owners, chefs just an arms length away.It's the kind of place that you can go to just because it makes you feel good. Reasonable enough that it doesn't have to be a special occasion. Although the food will make it thus.

Been here several times. It's awesome. Great traditional Italian food, generous servings, excellent specials. Staff funny, friendly and attentive. We bought some Cointreau to add to our affagoto, which was delicious. Will be back again on my families last night in Perth.