Hidden amongst the many business complexes and streets of modern residential areas in Bella Vista, is a charming Italian restaurant by the lake next to the Norwest Shopping centre. The restaurant is quite big inside, but we opt to sit outside to enjoy the sunshine and the view of the lake.
The menu is full of authentic Italian dishes, ranging from the usual pastas to more meat based mains. Today we decide to try 2 of their pastas – the seafood linguine (as their lobster spaghetti was sadly unavailable that day) and their duck ragout with chestnut gnocchi.
Both pastas were very generously sized, served on big shiny white plates which emphasised their size. I enjoyed the seafood linguine, partly because the king prawns were deshelled (I hate getting my hands dirty during a nice meal) but mostly because the rich tomato based sauce went nicely with the prawns, fresh calamari, mussels and scallops which were scattered throughout the dish.
Seafood linguine, $24.90
The duck ragout with chestnut gnocchi was definitely the more interesting dish of the meal. The chestnut gnocchi was soft and absorbed the duck stew juices well, although the sauce was not particularly flavoursome. The slow-cooked duck meat also took on a stringy texture which wasn’t the “melt in your mouth” taste that we were looking for.
Duck ragout with chestnut gnocchi, $24.90
Overall, Il Lago is not a bad choice for those who find themselves in the Bella Vista area as there are limited options for restaurant dining. I would suggest opt for the more conventional Italian pastas on the menu as the more adventurous choices don’t always hit the mark.
Il Lago
Unit G01/8 Century Circuit
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Phone: (02) 9634 2487
View Comments (12)
Oh wow... that duck ragout. This place isn't too far from my work place, I should definitely check it out! I've been to this norwest area once before - have you tried Tokio Fans? Very cute place!
Ohh no I haven't tried Tokio Fans before - where is it in Norwest??
ahhh its been too long since i was in the norwest area! the seafood linguine sounds great!
It's pretty decent for Norwest standards! A nice change from the Piazza at Castle Towers for sure haha
Oh that's not far from me, I should check it out. Love the view of the man made lake / fountain!
Haha yeah that's as close to a waterfront view as you're going to get out west! Decent little restaurant though :)
What a great find...nice to have another decent restaurant in the 'hood! I love seafood linguine!
It's pretty tasty! Quite a nice spot for a nice dinner or lunch :)
looks like a hidden gem, love how its near the lake too!
Yeah an unexpected "water front view" in the West! :) Would be very nice to have a meal there during spring especially now with daylight savings kicking in.
the Seafood linguine looks like a great dish! nice view too :)
It was lovely, especially since I wasn't expecting much from the location!