By Franz Scheurer
With La Disfida’s quality slipping badly of late, the service at Napoli in Bocca appalling and Zenith taking pizzas off their menu where do you go for authentic pizza in Sydney?
You go to Bondi, to Pompei’s. That’s where!
Pompei’s hugs a street corner opposite the cop shop and across from the Chapel by the Sea with tables spilling out onto the footpath and noisy, happy diners everywhere. On the menu cover they state: “ con tanta passione” (with plenty of passion) and this phrase really sums up the owners’ attitude. Nothing is ever taken for granted and unless it is the best, it is not used. The pizza dough is a marvel of fermentation, proving, kneading, resting and, although rolled out paper thin, will hold toppings perfectly rigid. The dough is made from stone-ground, unbleached flour, extra virgin olive oil, natural yeast and sea salt. It is then proven for 36 hours in a true, artisan tradition. Toppings are simple, classical, prepared fresh daily, of great integrity and faithful to Italy’s regional cuisine. The potato pizza is, and remains, our group’s favourite, although the four cheeses is a very close second.
But wait, there’s more…
Pompei’s antipasti and pastas are terrific. Try the “Bresaola”, air dried beef with wild rocket, shaved Parmigiano and aged balsamic vinegar or marvel at the complex, layered tastes in the deceptively simple “Casunziel all’ Ampezzana”, hand-made crescent shaped pasta filled with sautéed beetroot in a poppy seed, sage and butter sauce. Absolutely delicious!
But wait, there’s still more…
What is the use of a good meal without a dessert, I ask you! Well, at Pompei’s you
are in for a treat: Artisan gelato and sorbet, made on the premises, daily. The textures and flavours of Pompei’s’ ice cream is stunning. Nowhere in Sydney have I ever tasted anything even remotely close. This is an absolute delight! Flavours change daily depending on what is available, seasonal and perfectly ripe. You just have to taste the mango gelato at the moment.
Service is perfectly adequate, friendly and fast. The restaurant is BYO and value for money is excellent. Try to get there early or late or be prepared to wait for a table.
Score: 7.5 / 10
For more information:
Pompei’s
Cnr. of Roscoe and Gould Streets
Bondi Beach
02 9365 1233