MARCIANO'S PIZZA, CHATSWOOD

It’s said that some of the best things in life are those that appear without us actively seeking them. That is precisely what happened to me when I came across an Instagram account that had me almost licking my phone screen. #Slurp - @marcianos.sydney

Living in the land down under has some really amazing benefits! Like being able to walk down the street and find cuisines from almost any part of the world.

Hundreds, even thousands of restaurants located in and around our beautiful city may all offer similar menus but to me, the best part of a meal is the journey a particular dish takes you on and the memories that come flooding back after one small bite.

Personally Italian food is my thing! I have distinct memories of eating pizza in Rome, pasta in Florence and icy cold gelato's while walking around Vatican City on a warm summer’s day. When I eat Italian food in Sydney, I want to be taken back to those memories even if it’s only for the duration of the meal.

I decided to pay a visit to Marciano’s. Hidden away from the loud and busy main street, you’ll find this restaurant located at Shop 79a, The District 2057, 436 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.

First thing you will notice is the large space, modern décor and the views from the large windows which create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

The bar really is something else. It’s home to more spirits than I have ever seen in one place at one time! The cocktail menu alone has over 40 choices - Chances are if you can think of it, it’s on their menu.

But what really caught my eye was the beautiful Wood fire oven that soon would take me back to the heart of Rome.

We decided to order three share plates –

Tagliere Italiano (Italian antipasto for two) - A combination taste of imported prosciutto di parma, scamorza pecorino, combination of hot/mild salami and fresh buffalo mozzarella. ($28)

Home made Gnocchi with a choice of Sorrentina – tomato and fior di latte mozzarella 4 Formaggi – four cheeses ($24)

Pizza Campagnola – Porcini Mushrooms from Italy, pancetta, fior di latte mozzarella and shaved parmesan ($26)

I’m hands down going to say that not only did these dishes take me back to some of my fondest memories, but the combination of flavours (Especially the four cheeses in the Gnocchi) blew my mind.

The Gnocchi was a cheese lover’s dream, the flavours were strong, but not overpowering - This was my absolute favourite dish.

As I looked around there was not one person that wasn’t smiling - There were intimate tables of two but also larger groups that looked to be there for an after work function.

Based on my experience and the ridiculous urge I initially had to lick my phone screen, I highly recommend all of my fellow foodies to put Marciano’s on your to do list.

Food, drinks, décor and service were all perfect. For under $100 we both (two of us) walked out of Marciano’s and stepped into a self-induced food coma - We had no self-control and no regrets.

Thanks for having us.

Marciano’s Pizza Shop 79a The District 436 Victoria Avenue Chatswood NSW 2057 02 9411 2975 http://marcianos.com.au/