Al Borgo

Braving the residential enclave on Stevens Road, Al Borgo opened its doors last year in a vacated petrol station. Here, the former chefs of Borgo and Pasta Fresca – namely Mimmo Lamura and Domenico Truglia – are dishing out regional Italian comfort food from a modest kitchen framed by peep windows. During our visit this neighbourhood trattoria was full of walk-in diners drawn in by curiosity. Rustic flavours that warmed our hearts included the spaghetti in a rich tomato base flanked by clams, mussels and shrimps, served piping hot in parchment paper; Contadina pizza crowned with four cheeses, salami, mushrooms, peperoni and red capsicum; and a lamb stew doused in a red wine-laced crimson tomato sauce.

Update (20 Sep 2011):
Chef Domenico Truglia has left Al Borgo. Former Borgo chef Mimmo Laura now heads the kitchen.