Divido

December 2005

Run, don't walk, to Divido - a savvy but casual little mod-Italian eatery not far from the Paddo Ale House in Mount Hawthorn. Chef Jason Jujnovich trained in Perth then took himself off to London to learn from the likes of Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray at River Café- and boy, does it show.

Marble wall tiles, copper panelling and funky Formica make for an eclectic fit-out, but it's Jason's smart, regional Italian fare that shines most brightly, much of it cooked in a wood-fired oven, which also turns out fantastic, butt-ugly free-form pizzas in a matter of minutes.

And while I'd be doing the three course thing if I were you, the boys are just as happy for patrons to drop in for a quick beer and pizza on the way home.

What's to like
Chilli mussels Steamed then shelled mussel flesh is tossed in a red wine vinaigrette with coriander and fresh chilli. As simple as it sounds, you won't find anything else like it in Perth.

The wine Spain, Portugal, Italy and France all feature in a list put together by front of house manager Jason Hampton. One of the most engagingly eclectic wine lists I've seen in a long while.

Moscato tiramisu Own-made sponge, a liberal sprinkling of Moscato d'Asti (a sweet Italian wine) and layers of light mascarpone cream make for a dessert I definitely won't be sharing.

In a word Go.