Authentic Italian Cuisine at Amici's Southbank
There's something heartfelt about eating at
Amici's Italian Restaurant in Southbank. Heartfelt is the only word I can use to describe the feeling of comfort and warmth I experience whenever I eat there. It's as though I'm eating at home with friends and family yet I'm surrounded by unknown couples, social groups and families.
As I ponder on this, I'm virtually certain my love for this restaurant is partly due to the atmosphere. Although this bustling Italian Restaurant is located amid the popular Southbank Parklands, the outside eating area (my favourite spot) is encased in wildlife and picturesque views.
Obviously, we all have our favourite dining environments. Some people like classy while others prefer informal, family or social settings. Amici's has a little bit of everything, hence my attraction to the place. The staff laugh at my jokes (which wins me over every time) and I've never heard so much as a sigh when I call on the staff for assistance.
Of course dining out is not just about the service or the atmosphere. The most important element is the food. I admit I'm a little fussy when it comes to trying new cuisine but I'm hard pressed to find a menu item I don't want to order.
There is an extensive range of pasta dishes available with most priced around the $15 mark. I love the Carbonara or King Prawn Spaghetti with sun dried tomato, olives, chilli, shallots and coriander. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Marinara pasta with shrimps, mussels, baby clams, octopus, calamari, crab meat, smoked salmon and garlic in a cream or tomato sauce. There's also the traditional Italian Lasagna and vegetarian Lasagna dishes for under $20.
Italian style pizzas are a popular menu choice for many diners. Over 20 pizza flavours are on offer including gourmet Chicken Avocado, Italian Meat Ball, Tandoori Lamb and Vegetarian Supreme. Family, large or regular sizes are available. Prices start as low as $7.90 for a regular Herb or Pesto pizza with cheese.
Several chicken, veal, steak and seafood mains are served at reasonable prices. There are plenty of side orders to choose from and a special 'bambini' menu for children aged 12 and under. If you have any room left, yummy crepes, ice-cream and cakes are available for dessert.
I daresay the competition for restaurant owners in Southbank is fierce as they boast over 50 restaurants, cafes and bars offering patrons a wide choice of gourmet food types and cooking styles. Amici's don't seem to be affected by this though, as their restaurant is nearly always full to capacity.
Amici's is located in Southbank Parklands and is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. The restaurant caters for group bookings with a maximum seating capacity of 340 patrons. If desired, they will create a special menu for group bookings. Bookings can be made by telephoning Amici's on (07) 3844 8806.
