Pastizzi Cafe

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 The Pastizzi Cafe has a distinctly homely feel: groups of diners sharing traditional Maltese pastries which are the namesake of the cafe, big bowls of hearty pasta, and freezers packed full of frozen goodies to enjoy at home. The regulars know the drill: they confidently march up to the freezers, grab what their hearts are after, and pay at the counter. The warm, homely feel extends to the wait staff: friendly, kind, not afraid to make a recommendation when asked. 

Chicken and procini mushroom ravioli, $14 (entree size)

Speaking of welcomed advice, I couldn't go past the homemade ravioli. With 5 fillings and a choice of 5 sauces, I asked the staff for her favourite way to enjoy the chicken and procini mushroom variety. "Chili and garlic oil, I think, definitely." she responded. She knew what is up! The chili and garlic oil is light so it does not overwhelm the delicate flavour of the chicken and the musroom (which is umami in its minced glory), yet the chili has quite an exciting kick. I must admit I'm not usually a ravioli fan, but I definitely make an exception for the beautiful parcels made here. 

Spaghetti Marinara, $25

This is a generous, hearty, seafood-filled bowl of pasta. It's like the kind of plate mum would give you at home: piled high with the very best bits. My dining partner has been looking for a good marinara for a long time, and I'm assured this one certainly hits the spot. The pasta is perfectly cooked, and the dish is wonderfully flavourful. 

Let's move on to these famous pastizzi, shall we? 

The variety at the pastizzi cafe is astounding: 12 original range (2 of which are dessert pastizzis), 5 gourmet range (1 of which is dessert). 

Given we have just enjoyed quite a filling pasta meal, we opted for some sweet pastizzis to settle our tummies. 

Chocolate and ricotta pastizzi, $3.50

The pastizzis are so incredibly flaky and golden - that's the first thing. They absolutely crumbles, yet are still crunchy enough to give satisfaction as well as hold theit contents. The chocolate and ricotta pastizzi is beautifully well-balanced: not too rich, not too sweet, just perfect. 

Apple and cinnamon pastizzi, $3.50

Don't mind the strange incision in the middle: that was my failed attempt at doing a clean cross section to show the filling. The pastizzi is simply too lovely and flakey to make a clean cut possible. The apple is cooked to absolute perfection. One could perhaps ask for just a smidgeon more cinnamon, but overall, this is absolutely delightful. 

Score: 4.5/5
Delicious, homely mealsin generous portions at an affordable price.
Cost: approx $20-$30pp 
Address: 109 King St, Newtown, NSW

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