Ottimo Italian Kitchen, Hunters Hill – Rating: 17.5/25 (re-review)

Thanks to it being conveniently located this morning, Ottimo receives a second look-in.  I last reviewed it in 2012.   They are very prepared for winter, with a warm interior as well as enclosed outdoor seating.

One of the best qualities about dining here is that there are always plenty of waitstaff and they were quick & professional during this visit.

The coffee ($3.50) was on point today.  All of our cups were served hot and had that unmistakable Italian strength to them.  There was not one complaint around the table and the hot chocolate ($4) received praise as well – they don’t skimp on the chocolate!

I did not enjoy the orange juice ($5) though.  The menu said that it was freshly squeezed but it had the bitter taste of preservatives to it this morning.

The hungry need look no further than the Ottimo breakfast ($18).  They do their big breakfast well here with eggs done any way, grilled mushroom, roasted tomato, bacon, Italian sausage. hash brown and Vienna loaf.  There was plenty of every element on the plate and they had all been prepared well.  The sausage would benefit from more seasoning but overall it’s a dish that satisfies.

While brioch French toast ($16) sounds fantastic, I had my reservations considering that I had yet to find a breakfast dish at Ottimo that really stood out for me.

This is that dish.

I could eat the soft brioche forever!  Once soaked in some maple syrup and thanks to the hint of cinnamon in the ricotta, the mix was perfect.  Fresh berries on top lighten it up but complement the toast very well.

The corn fritters with smoked salmon ($16) was another great dish this morning.  The fritter was grilled instead of deep fried which my guest found to be a pleasant change to how they are often prepared.  It also had more corn than you could poke a stick at.  Fresh avocado and smoked salmon complimented nicely.  The tomato relish was sweet with a hint of heat.  It probably wasn’t even needed though as its flavour seemed to fight with the salmon.

If you’re in the area, Ottimo would be your pick of the local cafés.  There is something on the menu for all tastes and it’s a comfortable setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner.