NOSH
Transport your tastebuds to the Italian Coast
Delectable foodie fare in the heart of the Tweed.
If you haven’t yet visited Gallura Italian on Stuart Street, it is a must. But make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.The popular Italian restaurant is a bit of local hidden gem, which successfully weathered the storm in what was a troublesome year for many small businesses.
Post-lockdown, the restaurant came back bigger than before and saw locals scrambling to score a seat.
As soon as Gallura re-opened its doors, bookings were snapped up for lunch and dinner, coinciding with the extension of a dining space upstairs and increasing capacity from 50 to 80 seats.
Co-owner and front of house, Maki, credits this to their impeccable reputation, ongoing social media efforts and the rallying of the local community behind them.
Maki and husband/head chef Mike have over 40 years combined experience in the hospitality industry, owning and managing successful restaurants in Italy, Sydney and the Northern Rivers.
Inspired by Sardinia and the food of the Italian coast, Gallura draws its inspiration from the classics in this region, with an emphasis on fresh local seafood and produce in the Tweed area.
Maki always had her eye on the Tweed, which was in desperate need of a really good restaurant.
“The Tweed has such great access to an impeccable selection of quality Australian seafood,” says Maki.
“It’s the perfect place to create delicious Sardinian food using amazing local produce.”
In terms of the menu, which takes Sardinian classics and gives them a twist, you will find many signature and original dishes that are real crowd pleasers.
“The seafood linguini with local octopus, king prawns, vongole, mussels, chilli and cherry tomatoes is a firm favourite with diners,” says Maki.
“But my personal pick would be the chargrilled octopus with cannellini bean creama, pickled green tomatoes, baby radish and nduja.
“It’s such a unique and delicious combination of flavours.”
If you’re not already salivating, the wine list is sure to get you excited.
The wine list boasts a beautiful selection of boutique Sardinian and regional Italian wines and beers, including some lovely crisp whites and unique chilled reds.
Maki says that some wines may be familiar to diners but most will not and the idea is to let the staff guide you on which wines pair best with each dish – truly an enjoyable culinary journey of discovery.
Above all, Maki says it’s the experience Gallura leaves diners with that matters most to them.
“Our aim is always to deliver delicious, memorable coastal Italian food with a twist, while providing impeccable service” says Maki.
“We want you to leave feeling like you’ve been to a small Italian family restaurant, with amazing food and wine, but with a level of care and service that is unparalleled.”
Something we believe Gallura achieves with aplomb.
Gallura has indoor, upstairs, alfresco and bar seating, which Maki says is the best seat in the house.
Bookings can be made via their website, but remember to book ahead.
Pass the vermentino!
