Bianca

Simple, classic, great quality Italian

Bianca is a stylish yet casual Italian trattoria, located in the bustling Calile Hotel precinct of Fortitude Valley. The space is open and airy, bathed in peach and brown colours that give it a bright Mediterranean terracotta feel. The open preparation areas provide a great view of the kitchen team producing simple fresh dishes. It has all the hallmarks of a special occasion venue with signature crockery and glasses and excellent service, but is friendly, approachable and great value.

The menu includes a good selection of breads including a sourdough with olive oil and balsamic; and a selection of antipasti that can serve equally as shared bar snacks, or as entrées. An entrée of fried sardines is generous enough to share, with fresh succulent fish coated in a crisp savoury lemon and parsley crumb.

The range of pastas may change regularly, with all the pasta made fresh in house. Choose perhaps from Paccheri pomodoro with delicate stracciatella, or Lasagna with a classic pork and fennel passata, or a hearty Mafalde with a rich earthy lamb ragu in a thick meaty sauce. The main courses including a huge 1.2Kg T-bone Bistecca alla Florentina, and a generous Porchetta alla Romana are best shared.

Finish with some excellent house made desserts including freshly churned gelato, tender Bombolini, creamy Tiramisu or fresh Cannoli.

There is an extensive cocktail and wine list, with both Italian and local Italian-style varieties that complement the menu perfectly, with a range a prices to suit everyone.

This is simple yet elegant, well-crafted Italian cuisine served in a casual, friendly accessible venue that suits most occasions, and at good value prices. So if you want an affordable classic trattoria, with uncomplicated honest food, head to Bianca. Definitely worth a detour.