Set in a colonial style bungalow within the popular Rochester Park enclave is Da Paolo Bistro Bar, sister to the Da Paolo group of restaurants and gourmet shops. Owned and run by the husband and wife team of Paolo and Judie Scarpa, the group now boasts 5 eateries, each with a different theme including a fine dining restaurant and a pizza bar. Offering high quality authentic Italian fare at surprisingly reasonable prices, the Da Paolo Bistro Bar is a must-try – why miss out on something great?

• The Vibe
  Making your way down a somewhat steep flight of stairs to the actual bungalow, you will immediately be struck by how minimal the décor at Da Paolo Bistro Bar is. An open bar area is what you see first, followed by a collection of simple wooden tables and chairs which make up the large al fresco dining area. Giving off a casual albeit modern vibe, the bistro has several water features and an open-concept kitchen. Indoors, there is a lounge for entertaining. Possessing stark, white walls and a fully stocked bar, it screams minimalist chic. Lush greenery surrounds this charming restaurant, making you feel at one with nature.

• The Food
  The set lunch here ($22), is a steal. Consisting of your choice of main course (and there are no shortage of options), with dessert and coffee or tea, you are ensured great value for money. If ala carte is your preference , then take your pick from a variety of antipasto, or starters, as well as pastas, grilled meats and fish.

  Pleasing to the eye and so delicious, the Taglioni con Aragostine ($24) comes appropriately-portioned. Consisting of homemade egg pasta tossed with crayfish, garlic, cherry tomatoes and white wine, this slightly tangy pasta dish has an almost unnoticeable whisper of spice, which is delightfully welcome. The freshness of the ingredients is apparent in every bite, the crayfish juicy and succulent.

  First grilled and then oven-baked, the Costolette di Agnello con Formaggio Pecorino ($34), or rack of lamb, is aromatic and tender. Sprinkled generously with pecorino cheese and herbs which serve to accentuate the lamb, this dish comes with a generous portion of veggies to balance out your meal.

  The Fettine di Manzo is one of the options on the set lunch menu, and is an ideal choice for meat lovers. Perfectly cooked slices of roast beef covered in a rich, brown gravy, this dish is as filling as it is tasty. With a pink centre and thin outer layer of fat, the beef is accompanied by soft, sweet gratinated potatoes and a salad.

  For dessert, the tiramisu ($10) is the way to go. With ingredients imported direct from Italy, this mascarpone cheese cake is decadent, its rich taste enhanced by the flavours of caffeine and rum.

  Part of the abovementioned set lunch menu, the Chocolate Almond Cake is a petite slice of nutty goodness. The thick chocolate complements the lighter tasting almond flavours, leaving you wanting more.

• The Service
  The no-frills service offered at Da Paolo Bistro Bar cannot be faulted. Iced water is refilled often, and used dishes are cleared at appropriate intervals. The staff is attentive but not overly friendly.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Da Paolo Bistro Bar
I did not expect as casual a dining experience as I received at Da Paolo's, which came as a pleasant surprise. The food both looks and tastes great, and with such a wide selection of dishes for their affordable set lunch, it is definitely worth repeat visits. In my opinion, the place is perfect for a lunch out with girlfriends. Come night, it would certainly transform into an intimate dinner spot for a romantic dinner for two.