Il Carpaccio Restaurant Review

Posted on 01. Aug, 2008 by Administrator in Lifestyle

With Labor Day just around the corner, the time left to make summer plans is running out. And although you may have your heart set on a Mediterranean cruise, your wallet may have to settle for a sailboat ride along the Pacific. Don’t be discouraged by your global aspirations. If it’s the Mediterranean experience you want, that’s exactly what you’ll get at Il Carpaccio, a true ristorante that rivals any expectation of fine Italian dining this side of the Atlantic.

Il Carpaccio is helmed by Chef Antonio Mure as he is accompanied by his beautiful wife and the two Italian natives have conceived an environment that is so much more than a restaurant. Though strangely nestled in what seems like a Malibu strip mall, the vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and wooden beams transform the space into an elegant Italian kitchenette. Balancing contemporary interior design with simple dark wood furniture and plain white table cloths, the decor is chic without loosing the comfort of home.

The food is prepared fresh daily and everything is made from scratch. We were lucky enough to have Chef Antonio himself on hand to describe the six course seasonal tasting menu (available to any party of two or more), and as if his enthusiasm and charm weren’t enough to sell each dish, the complexity of ingredients and combination of flavors made every course better than the last.

The Tartara di Tonno, a diced Ahi Tuna, served with chopped red onion and avocado in a carmelized balsamic and chive pesto sauce made a perfect beginning. The carmelized balsamic is easily the best I’ve ever tasted and not at all over-dressed – as if that were possible.

As for pasta, the signature Italian dish, there were only favorites, never a single disappointment. In particular, the Gnocchi di Ricotta alla Lina, tossed with fresh arugula, roasted almonds and diced tomatoes in a spicy garlic olive oil. Always functional and never garnish, ingredients like roasted almonds and arugula create such a unique taste and texture, I couldn’t help but notice what was missing from most generic Italian dishes.

And then there was dessert. Options change with the season, as well as the chef’s personal taste. Made from scratch each day, you won’t know what your options are until you get there. But take my advice – order anything and everything he suggests!

As the former executive chef of Piccolo in Venice and La Botte in Santa Monica, Chef Antonio is no stranger to cooking for American audiences. But in Il Carpaccio, the culinary composer has certainly perfected his art. The wine list is outstanding and entirely affordable. It is a bit of trek out to the Palisades but what better drive does L.A. have to offer than Sunset Boulevard on the way to the beach? What you’ll get when you arrive is more than great food, it is a genuine Italian experience without the jet lag.

538 Palisades Dr
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 573-1411

www.ilcarpaccioristorante.com

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