Montes Pizza Blaxland

Italian Food is one of my all time favourite cuisines - the use of seasonal produce to showcase regional diversity is something that defines it’s menu’s across the globe. I am very lucky to have one of the best Pizza and Pasta restaurants right on my doorstep - Monte’s Pizza at Blaxland.





Monte’s is a monumental dining establishment within the Blue Mountains, and has been serving up amazing food since 1977 when it first opened it’s doors in Thredbo Village. Monte’s officially set up shop in Blaxland in 1988, founded by Nick and Brigitte Tropiano and son Joel. The family business proved to be highly successful, and attracts dinners from all over Sydney and beyond.

The restaurant is a small space creating a warm and cosy ambience. As you look into the bustling kitchen, there’s a hive of activity taking place, with dough bases twirling through the air and fresh ingredients colourfully awaiting to decorate culinary canvases of art.



Greeted by the ever hospitable owner Joel, he explains the new menu which features delicious fresh pasta options, the blackboard specials, and the new inclusion of online delivery via their website. Everyone who visits is always made to feel at home. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly no matter how busy the premises is.





The starters selections are adventurous and punchy with flavours, offering a great variety of breads, pizzas, pastas and salads. On the new starters menu try the Gourmet Mushroom Bruschetta ($7 per slice) - a combination of field mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, roasted capsicum, bocconcini, and Spanish onion on top of sourdough bread.



More excitedly the new pasta menu is available and includes: Sundried tomato pesto, meatball, Ionian and classics like Boscaiola and lasagne.The taste of the pasta is fresh and tastes like traditional homemade pasta. On the new menu there is the introduction of fresh pasta’s as starters. Try the Chorizo and Roasted Capsicum Linguine ($21), Mushroom and Blue Cheese Gnocchi ($21), Veal and White Wine Ravioli ($21), and the Butternut Pumpkin and Goats Cheese Ravioli ($21). Monte’s also offers a gluten free option which is not easy to come across, and is great for those who prefer to this dietary option.



Eager to try the new pasta menu I still could not go past ordering a classic Monte’s pizza. For an entree try something fresh and funky like the Grape and Three Cheese Pizza (Small $13.50, Medium $19.50 and Large $26). A delicious combination of juicy red grapes, gorgonzola, bocconcini and mozzarella cheese - topped with rosemary and baby spinach on a olive oil base. The combination of these flavours is to die for, and is one of my favourite items on the seasonal menu.



What I love about the pizza menu is the variety - never failing to feature classic combinations but still maintaining a contemporary and seasonal style. Prices are $13.50 for small, $19 for Medium and $26 for Large. For chicken lovers there is The Chicken - Chicken pieces served with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, Spanish Onions and feta on a green olive tapenade base.

Seafood fans will be delighted with the Summer Prawn and Marinara choices, and for those wanting something outside the box there is the Islander Special - Lean Bacon, freshly sliced banana and mozzarella served on a plum sauce base sprinkled with Gran Marnier.

For my main I ordered the Veal and White Wine Ravioli. The pasta was cooked to al dente, with a smooth and fresh texture. The filling is fresh and delicate, and is perfectly married with the rich robustness of the white wine sauce. This is definitely a meal I would order again.



I also tried the meatball pasta, and was instantly transported back to a traditional diner in New York. The care and flavour that had been crafted into making the meatballs was there in every mouthful - a fantastic pasta option for the meat lover.



For alcoholic beverages the premisses is licensed, and BYO is $2 per person. There are a wide selection of non alcoholic beverages to choose from, and coffees start from $3.

Desserts are featured on the blackboard, and are subject to change. I was spoilt for choice, with Baileys Creme Brûlée, Flourless Chocolate mini cakes with salted caramel, Italian Ricotta Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Banoffee Tart...all divine options. After much deliberation I went with the Banoffee Tart with a side of Baileys gelato - a match made in heaven.





Monte’s is the perfect venue for a romantic dinner for two, to a celebratory night out with family and friends. With a diverse and fresh seasonal menu and the accommodating staff; there is nothing not to love about this place. It is a personal favourite.



Rating: 10/10

Where: 5/15A Great Western Highway Blaxland NSW
Why: The freshest Pizza and Pasta in Sydney, and fantastic service.
Cost: Prices are $13.50 for small, $19 for Medium and $26 for Large. About $21 for pastas.
When:
Sun-Thurs: 5-10pm
Fri & Sat: 5-11:30pm
Closed Tuesday & Public Holidays , Easter & Annual Christmas Holidays

Good for kids: They will love the meals
Take away: Yes

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