Pranzo Classico – A Classic Lunch at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

By Siriol Dafydd on August 7, 2018 in Food

Hungover and battling was not how I planned to enjoy my first dining experience at the illustrious Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, but after a school-night salad turned into a booze-filled rampage culminating in reggaeton dancing at Bondi Junction until the wee hours of the next morning, that was the reality of my situation.

Nevertheless, I dragged myself the gruelling 300 metres from my house to Bondi Icebergs. Upon arrival, my dining companion and I were greeted by the friendly staff and offered a seat and a drink at the bar. This was the moment of truth. Should I order a full strength coke and hope that solved the problem, or grow up and realise the only thing that would even me out at this stage was another drink? I opted for the latter and ordered an Aperol Spritz (okay, two).

After a moment spent enjoying the glorious panoramic view of Bondi Beach below, we were taken to our table to sample the Icebergs’ Pranzo Classico lunch menu. This lunchtime offer runs from Monday to Thursday until August 9 so you’ll have to move quickly. For $60 you get to enjoy a two-course meal in one of Sydney’s most desirable and famous locations.

The menu offers a choice between two starters (antipasti) and two mains (secondi). You then have the option of adding sides to your meal. We were given a tasting menu of all the options including the additional sides, which was hugely appreciated considering our circumstances.

The antipasti consisted of a choice between freshly shucked oysters with a red wine and black pepper vinaigrette, and a beetroot and goats curd salad with radicchio and fennel. I opted for the beetroot salad, beautifully presented to the extent that I didn’t want to ruin it by digging in. The goats curd provided a richness that was wonderfully balanced by the acidity of the beetroot and the contrasting fennel. Rich yet also light and refreshing, it was the perfect starter. My companion wolfed down the oysters; I sensed her satisfaction.

The secondi offers a choice between a 200-gram Signature Olsson’s salt-crusted boneless ribeye steak with rocket and mustard, or pappardelle with scampi, mussels, fish, tomato and basil. Again, both were beautifully presented. The steak was soft and tender and the pasta was rich and creamy yet not too heavy.

The sides include a choice of fries, salad or a helping of mashed potato so delightfully creamy that I initially thought it was some kind of thick buttery dip. We were also treated to something from the dessert menu. I ordered the Cioccolato e Olio d’Oliva, a rich chocolate mousse with olive oil sorbet and olive caramel crisp. It was the most lavish dessert I’ve had this decade, boasting a blend of textures over several layers and decorated with golden cubes. Words don’t do it justice.

All in all, the Pranzo Classico menu is perfect for a mid-week treat or a lunchtime meeting with someone you’d like to impress. The service is fantastic and offers that extra bit of fancyness. The cuisine on offer celebrates the best of Australian produce from the NSW Sapphire Coast, Queensland’s Darling Downs, South Australia and WA. It’s premium quality food that fills you up just the right amount for lunch.

Admittedly, you wouldn’t want to waste this menu on a hangover, but the good news is that it still holds up either way!

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Website www.idrb.com
Address 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach Facebook IcebergsDiningOn- BondiBeach
Instagram @icebergsdining- roomandbar
Phone 9365 9000
Opening Hours
Dining Room Lunch: Mon-Sun 12pm-late; Dinner: Mon-Sun 6.30pm-late; Brunch: Sun 10am- 12pm
Bar Mon-Sat 12pm- 12am; Sun 12pm-10pm
Icebergs Terrace Sat-Sun 12pm-6pm (weather permitting)
Prices Check the website
Cards Accepted Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners, Eftpos
Licensed Yes