The Canberra dining market is full of exceptional fine dining venues, but one that stands out is Mezzalira Ristorante, entertaining and impressing its patrons for 11 years.

Mezzalira brings to Canberra’s dining industry decades of experience and some of the most awarded talent this region has seen. The team have just added to its lengthy list of achievements the 2007 AHA ‘Best Prestigious Restaurant’ and ‘Best Wine List’ second year running.

This fine dining restaurant doesn’t just boast great food and fabulous wine; it features a point of difference and an interesting concept that has worked well for owner and occasional chef, Pat.

“What we offer is a relaxed dining experience. You don’t get confused over which knife and which fork to use. It’s more about feeling happy and relaxed, so you can really enjoy yourself.”

Pat has put a lot of work into creating this relaxed Italian haven in the city, with low lighting, crisp white table cloths, and a homely wood fire.

“The difference at Mezzalira is that you still get the food and the service of a 5 star establishment but you don’t have to feel intimidated, which is the case in many fine dining restaurants.”

Mezzalira features modern Italian cuisine with a twist on the classics. The menu is extensive and merely reading it will make your mouth water. Rich traditional dishes like the ‘Gamberi D’aqua fresca’ radiate with freshness and European pleasure.

“We are not here to re write the rule book, we are here to do the simple things well and that’s the philosophy we have in our kitchen.”

And they certainly have the tools to do so, with all their fresh produce coming out of Canberra and local areas. They buy the freshest and best ingredients and never compromise on quality. Cutting corners is not on the cards for one of Canberra’s most awarded restaurants.

The cosy atmosphere is bought to life by the lively and hospitable staff, with Pat training his team to treat all patrons as though they have walked into their home.

“Opening the door for them, saying hello, taking their jackets and getting them a drink. We teach our staff to entertain our guests making sure everyone is comfortable and happy throughout the evening.”

With so many things to choose from on the menu we asked Pat what his favourite was.

“I like the risotto, it’s authentic. Its one of those dishes….everyone thinks they know what a risotto is, but 99 percent of the places around Canberra who cook it get it wrong.”

Pat says that restaurants and cafes around Canberra have a responsibility to their clientèle, not just to make money, but to educate about food. “You can’t serve something under the pretense that it should be something, when its not.”

Just because it’s authentic doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Pat and his team have come to fame over the years because of their attention to detail when it comes to recreating some of Italy’s best classics.

Mezzalira began 11 years ago, as a café when Pats family found the large corner space in the historic Melbourne Building. He had completed his studies in architecture at this time, and his father let him exercise his creative talents with the fit out of the new venue.

“As we went on, we realised that the market wanted a little bit more than we were offering, so we lifted out game and changed the way we approached things”

The new approach saw Pat put on his apron and try his luck at cooking and he soon grew a fondness for the in-house traditional wood fire oven.

“I have been working in the kitchen for the last 4 or 5 years, but have always been working on the pizza oven, which is a special feature of the restaurant. It’s my speciality.”

Pat’s passion for food goes hand in hand with his warm hospitable nature and eagerness to please his clients. “I occasionally cook at home, but I prefer cooking here, its always fun cooking for an audience.”

Mezzalira has a very loyal clientèle, with some customers enjoying the delicious home-made pastas for decades. The ‘tortlini di zucca’ is a menu favourite, with its delicious roast pumpkin, ricotta and leek filling complimented by burnt sage butter. Its success has seen it grace the menu for 7 or 8 years.

If the tortellini doesn’t get you, the scrumptious wood fire pizzas will, coupled with the classic Italian grace of the Mezzalira experience that has made them so famous.

The team uphold their reputation as ‘AHA Canberra’s Best Prestigious Restaurant 2006 and 2007’ and wear the title with the same respect and warmth that has made them such a Canberra favourite.