Alberto grew up in the ‘toe’ of the Italian peninsula, in Calabria – a scenic region blessed with sandy beaches, majestic mountains and, most importantly, savory food. There, he toiled away on a farm, bringing the freshest ingredients to his community. When he landed in Australia in 1979, Alberto brought along two things that would make his Italian pizzeria succeed in Sydney: family recipes and a preference for quality ingredients.
Like father, like son. When Phillip, Alberto’s son, came to Guangzhou years later, family recipes and the thrill of introducing Calabrian cuisine arrived with him. His shop – Alberto’s Pizzeria Trattoria on Party Pier – merges bold tastes with a quaint riverside view.
The extensive menu offers a fine assortment of Italian fare, such as the simple but appetizing Caprese salad (RMB58), a starter made of buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil, which resembles the colors of the Italian flag. Other favorites include assorted cheese board (RMB128) and chicken cacciatore (RMB98), which is chicken fillet sauteed with tomatoes, capsicum, olives, mushrooms and white wine.
It’s a coming home of sorts for owner Phillip to attend to the restaurant when it opens at night. Every time a new dish is born in Sydney, Phillip can be found toiling in his Guangzhou scullery, perfecting the taste halfway around the globe.
Housed on the second floor of an old warehouse, the trattoria, rustic and inviting, melds contemporary decor with a taste of the past. The Chinese chefs here are further trained by their Sydney counterparts to ensure the right flavors come about. One bite of Alberto’s special pizza (RMB98) and you’ll know such effort is worthy of praise. Ham, pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, olives, capsicum and onions flawlessly coalesce on a crust, tempting even the pickiest foodie.
To conclude your meal, order the refreshingly well-executed tiramisu (RMB48). Characterized by different layers of powered chocolate with sponge cake soaked in coffee and brandy, it’s a positive finish to a rich dinner.
Alberto’s is still exploring the diverse palates of Guangzhou’s diners, but its Italian and Calabrian selection is still authentically presented. If you’re looking for quality food and value for money on the pier, this is the spot. Buon appetito!
Price: RMB200
Who’s going: Italians in Guangzhou, pizza hunters
Good for: tiramisu, southern Italian delicacies
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