If you haven’t visited Peddlars on the Bend recently you may not recognise it when you next go back. Now called Peddlars and Co. the space has been revamped and divided into a number of smaller restaurants, offering patrons a variety of styles of food and dining experiences. Chef Brad Ball, previously of Bistro 1682 at Steenberg fame, heads up the kitchen at Volare Ristorante Italiano at Peddlars and Co. and looks set to make an impression.

The decor is classic, a chevron wood panelled wall is offset by touches of pale green and grey. Gorgeous light fittings which resemble suspended geometric terrariums keep the feel modern. The menu is a selection of authentic Italian dishes, don’t think stodgy pizza and pasta, instead expect light, fresh dishes fusing Italian heritage with contemporary finesse.

For antipasti we tried the Buratta, fresh Puglia Mozzarella with the juiciest baby tomatoes, tapenade and crisp slivers of toast, this is such a simple dish, but the use of the freshest ingredients and beautiful presentation make it sing. The second plate of antipasti was a dish of traditional Arancini which were crisp and golden, paired with the perfect Napolitana sauce and a hint of truffle.

The selection of mains includes a range of pasta as well as meat dishes. There was simply no contest when it came to choosing.  Although there is a great selection on offer, the Roast Porchetta, a combination of mouthwatering ingredients, was simply too perfect to pass up – Oak Valley pork belly with artichokes, sage, Parma ham, crackling and broccolini. It did not disappoint. The pork was simply melt-in-the-mouth, and the rest of the dish a cohesion of flavours that felt something like a symphony on the palate. I didn’t want it to end! The Controfiletto – sirloin with rosemary potatoes, gremolata, roast garlic and asparagus was also delicious, juicy and cooked to perfection.

Dessert was a Chocolate Torte which we were told was a house favourite, and it’s easy to see why. Made with Valrhona chocolate and paired with espresso ice cream, this is a dessert worth breaking any diet for!

Volare is a great place to book for a special occasion – you can be assured of delicious food and service to complement. The menu is just enough to not be overwhelming, but still offers something that will suit everyone. With a selection of fresh pasta dishes that can be enjoyed as a full portion or a smaller version it is versatile and also perfect for lunch. We loved the fact that while dishes sound simple, the flavours are layered and complex, with clean execution.

Photography courtesy of Claire Gunn.

This is Italian food served in a stylish setting. An elegant place to enjoy a meal that will not dissapoint.