In a small strip of shops on Bayswater Road lies a local jaunt for food that's fresh, plentiful and made with love. Da Ricardo's brings to its guests a lengthy spread of international favourites, yet it's tempting Italian tone, together with cheap prices, reels in the regulars.
The family behind the name originated from Sri Lanka and immigrated to Italy. Eventually, the family planted their culinary feet in Lilydale then relocated to Croydon South. The result is a cheap and homely menu of delicious international-themed meals being served within walking distance of my home.
A simple pasta menu gives guests tasty, traditional choices from olive oil, tomato to cream sauces and are all served in either entrée or main sizes below $15. A main size of spaghetti pescatore, weighted with fish, scallops, prawns and mussels offers more than a substantial meal. Complemented with an entrée of bruschetta and a lightly-dressed garden salad, this pasta meal makes for a comforting dinner sitting on a lazy weekend evening.
If guests are in the mood to share, then there's a pasta misto as an option. For $30 guests can indulge in a large platter of three pasta options of their choice.
The main-meal branch of the menu also brings guests fresh, high quality options, all generous in size, for between $20 and $24. Dishes are served with sides of mixed roasted and steamed vegetables or crispy salad (guests' choice) and there are plenty of suggestions to keep guests' appetites at bay – eye fillet steaks, veal saltimbocca and salmon to note a few.
Da Ricado's also hosts an exhaustive bar menu, complete with wines sourced far and wide, spirits and beers. Guests can opt to bring a bottle of their own wine, should they please.
Da Ricado's
If guests find some room after their first two courses, then the dessert menu can deliver sweet satisfaction from warm crepes to a creamy tiramisu.
All of Da Ricado's flavours are light and wholesome and service is always friendly and accommodating.
