Divino

By Franz Scheurer

Competition for the customer’s dollar on this short stretch of Stanley Street is fierce. There are around a dozen restaurants facing each other across the narrow street like battle-weary soldiers during medieval times. Here survival means that good food and good service isn’t quite enough. Value for money is paramount.

The restaurant is small, with a few tables spilling out onto the footpath and a small courtyard out the back. Table settings are simple with white paper over white cloth and good quality, large cloth serviettes. The high ceilings and whitewashed walls make the room appear bigger than it actually is and a small serving bar takes up most of the back wall. I really like the lamps hanging over the bar area.

The menu at Divino is a good read and there are a few blackboard specials as well. The dishes sound Mediterranean inspired with a firm foothold in Mod-Oz territory.

Service was attentive, friendly and on the ball. Fresh, warm bread rolls were served with good quality unsalted butter and I noticed that the beer glasses were beautifully frosted, straight out of the freezer. The wine list is adequate with a fair choice of wines by the glass. Mind you, I suggest that if you pour the wine by the glass out the back it might be prudent to check it for cork taint! Another small detail that needs attention is the fact that the menu is not consistent. Capitalisation is all over the place and spelling mistakes really should be eliminated.

A dessert called Banoffe caught my eye as I had never heard of it before. It turned out to be a sort of a trifle come moist sponge cake, served in a macchiato glass, topped with cream, with banana ice cream rolled in caramelised almond-dust on the side. If anyone would have ever told me that I would like banana ice cream I would have laughed out loud… well no more. This was a terrific ice cream with great texture.

Value for money is good. Entrées are mostly around $15 and mains from $18 to $26. Desserts are $11.

If you enjoy casual dining with good food and good service at an affordable price point whilst watching the world stroll by, then Divino might be worth checking out.

Score: 6/10

For more information or bookings:

Divino

70 Stanley Street

East Sydney NSW 2010

Tel.: 02 9360 9911