Review La Tombola - Parkside

I discovered this restaurant accidentally and this was the best discovery ever! Best Italian restaurant in Adelaide! We asked what was the signature dish and was told that every single dish is a signature dish! Indeed this was the case. We order four different main course dish and each was cooked to perfection. Highest praise goes to Tony and his team who treated everyone like a VIP and such warm and welcoming was the atmosphere. My parents are fussy eaters but they ate everything thoroughly. This is will be one of many visits in the future. Congratulations Tony for creating Adelaide's best kept secret! Well done!

Friday 13th August 2021 I celebrated my 70th birthday with a booking for 15 people at La Tombola on Unley Rd. Tony was so good in meeting my requests. We all loved the food. We took a birthday cake which they were happy to cut up and serve. Highly recommend for a special night for 2 or a group. Having the tables set up in a square was brilliant as we could all see each other and share in conversations. Thank you Tony. 😊

Excellent Italian restaurant, food was great and reminded me of my grandparents home cooking! The waiters were great and although the food took a bit of time to bring out, the owner came to personally apologise (they were extra busy on the night) and offer us extra bread and drinks. He really didn’t need to, but the sentiment was appreciated nonetheless. Would go again!

Amazing pasta. It can get busy and a bit loud so it might be good to dine earlier if you don't like that type of setting. The service is honest and friendly. I wish I could give 6 stars.

Excellent Food and Service. We searched up a good/highly rated Italian restaurant on Google Maps. La Tombola in Adelaide is one of the most highly rated so confidence was high when we booked dinner for three on a Friday night. I rang the restaurant directly and Tony took my booking, very friendly and accomodating. We were greeted by the same person at the door, a great friendly welcome. We were seen to our table in the front window so we had a good view of the street scape of Unley Road and could look back into the restaurant which was packed. The waiter soon came to explain the specials and take our drinks order. We were keen to try the oysters for entree but the waiter informed us that the large table next to us had cleared the kitchen of all oysters by ordering 6 dozen for their table. Must be good! But these things happen. Instead we settled for some Bruschetta - which was first class. For mains we enjoyed Spaghetti Marinara which had ample free seafood. The veal pasta - a twisted egg short noodle tossed with veal strips, smoked bacon, onion, roasted capsicum and mushrooms in a creamy sauce finished with basil. And the Calamari, which was fresh calamari tossed in lemon pepper and rice flour, deep fried and served with kalamata black olives, mixed lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted capsicum and Spanish onion in a balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil dressing. Really tender! The service was A1. Tony runs the front of house really well, directing traffic etc and when we came to settle our bill, yep it was Tony. Highly recommend this place. Booking a must.

The staff really make the difference. They are attentive and friendly, being there at the perfect moment. The food is really tasty with large portion size. A little pricey. Great atmosphere, make sure you book! Really easy to get to by bus and plenty of parking. Enjoy.

My favourite Italian restaurant, La Tombola is fast becoming my favourite dining choice in Adelaide irrespective of cuisine type. It offers a wide variety of pasta and main dining options on the menu. All dishes are provided in large serves. This is much appreciated particularly as the pasta is amazingly delicious. This evening, I ordered the risotto with veal slices, bacon, button and truffle mushrooms (all the way from Italy!) and rocket leaves from the specials board. It was magnificent! The risotto texture was just right, the balance between arborio rice and other ingredients was just right, the sauce was sufficient to add taste without being too watery, and it tasted sensational!!! It was so sumptuous that I advised Tony to make it a regular menu item. Without exception, Tony was warm, welcoming, polite, friendly and engaging – he is always focused on looking after his patrons. In essence, Tony treats everyone like honoured guests at his own home for dinner. The rest of the team always smile and provide attentive and engaging service that come across as sincere and respectful. In my many visits, the quality and quantity of food and service have always maintained the highest levels (which is rare to praise for most restaurants). Similarly, it is very rare to find a dining gem which makes you feel like you want to dine there every week. The highest compliment possible for La Tombola!

Great place in Unley , superb customer service, great tasting food, on the expensive side but they can back it up with the above....you won't regret it.

We went there today for our 8th anniversary of meeting. OMG the food is to die for. Bob had the steak and it was seriously the best steak he had ever eaten................at 72 years of age!!! I had the scallops and also the best I've ever had. Just simply pure joy and perfection. Tony we hope you appreciate those chefs you have, brill. Thank you for a divine lunch. Sandy and Bob.

looks and feels like a family italian place but priced slightly above. I cant recommend it enough, just had the best lamb of my life with fantastic service.

This is my favourite place in Adelaide I miss it so much since moving and the owner tony is a wonderful man always made me feel really welcome and even would make me a special dessert of strawberries and liquor which wasn't something on the menu the food is delicious the mushrooms and red wine jus is the best with the delicious steak

Amazing food and amazing service. <br/><br/>We really enjoyed the cheese soufflé, carpaccio, veal pasta and penne pasta. <br/><br/>We found absolutely no fault with the food or the service.<br/><br/>We will definitely return.

Amazing high quality italian food! Have been here a few times and definitely will be back. The service here is also outstanding- the staff definitely go above and beyond.

Together with my family (ages 3 to 60+) we went for my annual birthday dinner at La Tombola and it is so rewarding to return after a year and find the same great food, ambience and service.  The range of food options is significant as are the beverage selections, with the 'specials' always varied and offering something just a little different.  2 examples of the ever present services were on recognition it was a birthday celebration, the staff provided a small, symbolic birthday cake which was a nice touch and on departing, each of the ladies present were given a mini bottle of bubbles.  What a nice touch, oh and the food was bellissimo !

Went to La Tombola for the first time last night and ll I can is that the food was delicious, the service was very friendly and prompt and just an all round nice ambience as well. Will be back for sure! Thank you Tony! :) <br/>Cheers<br/>John

Awesome, fantastic Italian food and friendly efficient service we had a lovely time here. The veal pasta is very very good and the chicken main with the blue cheese sauce is amazing, kids meal are a very high standard barramundi and chips, can't fault the experience highly recommend

Poppy went for Dinner to Unley Rd. He booked a table at La Tombola. Poppy loved the friendly family atmosphere and service. All Poppy's needs were catered for. Poppy enjoyed firstly the Bruschetta Al Bocconcini which was refreshing and delicious. For mains Poppy had the Filetto Di Manzo which was just divine, cooked medium rare to perfection and swimming in delicious red wine Jus'. His partner had the Filleto Di Pollo Alla Gorgonzola which Poppy also tasted and was also magnificent. The Gorgonzola wasn't overpowering however you could definitely taste it. Lovely semi fine dining experience and food to go with it, thumb up worth an eat, Poppy will be back.

such a terrible place that never come back again, high price ,low quality and the negative man I have ever met,don't think I will come next time<br/>

Great service and excellent food!! We were even given free champagne. A great night with friends we won't forget, thank you latombola, we will be back! :)

Had a lovely meal here tonight. Although the food is on the pricey side, I would happily pay for meals of this quality. I got the veal which came with spinach, potatoes and a red wine jus, could not fault anything on the dish the flavours married up perfectly. My girlfriend ordered the spinach and ricotta ravioli which she thoroughly enjoyed. Only negative was that the serving was on the small side. Thoroughly enjoyable meal. Thank you to Tony and his wonderful team! ILC

That's the worst restaurant I've ever had in Adelaide!!! The dishes were absolutely below average and overpriced. We order the calamari, it was damn chewy and salty; and the grilled lamb was overcooked with part of burnt surface. We tried to complain about those shitty dishes, however we only got the perfunctorily reply from the boss/manager, and his attitude was so rude. Don't waste your money and time to try this shitty restaurant! Otherwise you'll only get disappointment and regret from it.

Beautiful food, lovely staff, friendly homey atmosphere. Tony the restaurant owner made the effort to get around to every table which made the experience very special.

Authentic Italian restaurant. It is a semi fine dining restaurant with cosy and homey feeling. some of the decorations could be quite old but it didn't matter to me. Situated at unley, near city. Plenty of street parking near the restaurant. Staffs were extremely friendly, rang to say might be running late and the response I received was we will serve you whenever you are here ma'am. I was so surprise. Greet by big smiles as you walk in. Menu was good, great selection of traditional Italian meal. V order an entree to share and a main each. Food service was quite fast. The presentation could be work on but the taste and flavour is there. It tasted like what nonna would cook for their family. Very well seasoned and flavour well balanced. A touch of crack pepper and Parmesan cheese enhance the flavour but doesn't overpower the dish. The seafood pasta was very tasty. The risotto I order appears to be slightly dry, might need a bit more moist or sauce on it. With a bit more sauce would have been 10/10 dish for me. Flavour is again beautiful. No other faults in this dish. Overall, this restaurant gives me the warmth feeling. I would definitely be back again for more food....

There’s nothing flash or trendy about this place… in fact the décor is old fashioned and a little bit daggy – but maybe that adds to the whole La Tombola charm. La Tombola Italian Restaurant in Parkside has been around for over ten years and touts modern Italian food. You’ll be heartily greeted by owner and host Tony De Leso – he and his friendly staff make for a welcoming and warm atmosphere – the sort of place you just want to settle into. It’s relaxed, clean and the chairs are comfy. I was surprised it was quite busy for a Monday night and it was a mixed crowd.

Amazing food!! Outstanding service!!! I felt like I was at my nonnas house. Tony is so welcoming and he even accommodated for my very fussy mother when there was a set menu in place for Mother's Day. Will definitely be back!! Yum yum yum!!!!

Wonderful evening!. Enjoyed a lovely traditional Italian meal with my family. The service was excellent and the hospitality was too. Looking forward to a return visit soon.

European hospitality in Adelaide. I remembered I had always wanted to try La Tombola, so I looked up their website to check their menus and phone number. It just so happened that they were advertising Christmas day lunch with a three-course meal at $100 a head (with three options to choose from for each course). I decided we would do that and made a booking. <br/><br/>Located on the upmarket Unley Road strip, La Tombola is a kind of cute place. You can see that it was probably quite highly trendy in the 1990s (why DID we used to think all that trellis stuff, both indoors and out, was a good idea?), but the decor has dated. In my own opinion, this hasn't really done it much harm. <br/><br/>There were a LOT of staff on duty on the day, so nobody had a hard time getting the attention of a waiter or waitress. We were welcomed in a really friendly manner, and a man who I assumed to be the manager or owner was the smiliest, friendliest host I have come across for some time. Many restaurant staff are friendly through professionalism, which is perfectly fine, but this man was genuine. His bubbly, happy personality came across in his every move and word. A very traditional, hospitable Italian, just like the family of my first ever best primary school friend who I recall with such fondness. And he repeatedly made sure that we, and other diners, had everything we needed.<br/><br/>My entree was a gorgonzola souffle on asparagus that was simply to die for. Husband also said his entree, lamb backstrap with sweet potato and a yoghurty dressing, was amazing also. The entrees really were the highlights.<br/><br/>My main (spinach & ricotta ravioli with a porcini mushroom sauce) was slightly bland and certainly didn't meet up to the standard of the entree, but was still satisfactory. Husband enjoyed his steak, although he removed the oyster mushroom from it (personal prejudice of his).<br/><br/>I had a fruit/nut pudding for dessert that was very nice, but by that stage I was so obscenely full that I couldn't finish it (perhaps I shouldn't have had the two glasses of wine, they wasted valuable tummy space!). Husband had tira misu, but I think he was having the same problem as myself.<br/><br/>The meals came to the table really quite quickly, I was super impressed. However, they did give us the option, between the main meal and dessert, of having a bit of a break if we wanted it.<br/><br/>We had bon bons (not that we're interested, but it was a nice gesture) and Baci chocolates on our table. Baci are always welcome!<br/><br/>All in all, the price per head was quite reasonable for three courses on Christmas day, in my opinion. I'd like to go again some other time and sample their usual dinner menu.<br/><br/>8/10. Totally enjoyed it.

We are from Melbourne and have dined at a good percentage of the top restaurants in the city... Hands down the best steak dinner I've ever eaten.. Perfectly cooked with the richest red wine jus for company... Will not disappoint.

GREAT CHRISTMAS PARTY. With a group of 27 guests, we had an absolute ball. The food was great looking and great tasting.The service was fantastic, we were there for over five hours and the staff were efficient, friendly and ever present to take orders. We had a room to the side that was private but still part of the restaurant where we could relax and enjoy ourselves. A big thank you to Angela and congratulations to Tony who is a true restaurateur.

Favourite Italian restaurant. Wonderful restaurant and all the food is a reasonable price and high quality. Lovely staff. I've been here four or so times and wouldn't hesitate to return. 10/10

Steve johns. Had a meal there two weeks a go fantastic the service was excellent can't rate this restaurant high enough. We are going back tonight as soon as I book.

Fantastic service and delicious authentic Italian food. Highly recommend.

Food is that of any 5 star anywhere in aus.. Loved it!

Not bad but it is not great. Definitely not the place for a romantic dinner, the atmosphere is the one of a retirement home dinner, it needs some updating. The food is ok, the carpaccio and cheese soufflé were good, the lamb shank and the penne very average. The service is fast and attentive but not extraordinaire. If you want Italian in Unley Rd, Vino might be a better choice.

Nathan. Must go to restarent in Adelaide service outstanding food the way you food to taste like.host treats you like family do not miss this experience. Highly recommend

THE BEST Been there several.... THE BEST<br/>Been there several times and always the freshest and tastiest. <br/>Tony the owner always friendly and looks after us. He knows his wines and recommends the right wine with the dish chosen. <br/>Staff are helpful and friendly. <br/>For an Italian restaurant they have fantastic steaks as well as pastas. <br/>It shows that Tony has a passion for the industry. <br/>We'll Done!

Great Dinner enjoyed by all. Recently visited La Tombola for a family dinner. Great experience, greeted with a warm welcome, food was fantastic and reasonably priced service was good, Everyone at our table ordered something different and everyone really enjoyed it - even the kids,<br/><br/>Steak was awesome and so was the marinara.<br/><br/>Great coffee and tiramisu to end the evening. <br/><br/>Overall a great night, we will return and recommend to others.

Marinara. Had a beautiful dinner at La Tombola Friday 18th of Jan. Want to make a statement how good their spaghetti marinara is. Absolute 10 point experience. Thank you all at La Tombola.

This is the most amazing restuarant I have been to in such a long time, fine dinner at fair range prices. The seafood marinara was absolutely breathtaking, i honest wanted to savour every mouthful. Normally I give my boyfriend the remainder of my dish, but this way just far too delicious to share. I told the owner Tony (who is extremely friendly, welcoming and accommodating) that the pasta was so amazing I wanted to cry. Normally I wouldn't post in urbanspoon and often leave restaurants thinking oh that was okay, but this was the best Italian restuarant I have been to, in the secret little heart of unley! The entree was delicious also, natural oysters, incredibly fresh and full of flavour... But honestly the real kicker was the seafood pasta.. Do yourself a treat because for $29 a main, it's the best money can buy! You won't regret it!

Christmas function. We held our Club Christmas Dinner at La Tombola on the 17th of December 2013 for 45 people. The food was beautifully prepared with a variety of dishes available for each course. Not only was the food of top quality, it was also delivered at each table quickly and efficiently. I am not sure how Tony was able to have his staff serve so many meals cooked to perfection and then deliver them so that all people on each table received their meal at virtually the same time.<br/>All I can say is congratulations!

Just had a wonderful meal with 7 friends. All loved our dishes. Dessert superb coffee perfect. Thank you to Tony. We love your restaurant Service efficient and friendly

Delicious!. Twenty years ago, my husband and I sat upon the lapping shore of a tiny Italian village, eating a bowl of spaghetti marinara so good that we believed it could never be surpassed...until now! <br/>Our family has dined at La Tombola Restaurant on several occasions and we have found both food and service to be consistently impeccable. Tony's warm welcome and unobtrusive interest make for a personable dining experience.<br/>Most recently, I ordered spaghetti marinara and was presented with a generous bowl of absolute deliciousness! In addition to the perfect combination of flavours and the use of fresh tomatoes, each piece of seafood melted in the mouth and tasted as it should....no rubbery, mistimed calamari!<br/>My husband thoroughly enjoyed the succulent veal ribeye and the kids were unusually quiet...thank you penne and sauces!!

Good. It tastes greater without the owners breathing down your neck

This restaurant was amazing the service was very friendly and very helpful, so much that I felt like a princess!<br/>The food was amazing and there was a wide selection to choose from and it was reasonably priced. <br/>The restaurant was very busy and we still had a meals served in perfect time. <br/>I definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone you will not be disappointed it is my favorite restaurant and I go out a lot. <br/>Will definitely be visiting La Tombola again and will have my 14th there!

Italian Magic. Took friends to this restaurant for Wednesday lunch. The food and the service were great. Took wine and the $15 corkage is par for the course these days.<br/>Main courses were a little more expensive than we are used to but then this is restaurant versus pubs so you'd expect an increase. We will certainly return.

Lunch. My husband and I had lunch here and it was fantastic, the food was so fresh, homemade and tasty. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and we noticed there seemed to be quiet a few regulars. The owner was also hands on and very welcoming and couldn't do enough for us. Husband had the prawns in spaghetti and I had the chicken which was absolutely delicious, the flavours are so yummy you want to lick your plate! Deserts were lovely too. We will certainly be returning next time taking our two children as they have a kids menu, would strongly recommend this restaurant as a winner all round.

I've been here with my boyfriend 3 times, others once, and am NEVER disappointed. In fact I'm still here right now and am so impressed with their consistently fantastic service, meals, prices and atmosphere that I felt the desire to post this right now. I would, and have, recommended this place to many people and will definitely be coking back again !

Coffee and Cake. I took my lovely wife to La Tombola today for coffee and cake. Service excellent. Staff very very courteous, and the cake Tiramasu was fantastic. Looks like we will be coming back for a romantic dinner very soon.

Lunch at La Tombola. A big thank you to Chef Kelsey for a wonderful meal today. Great food, excellent wine (at a really great price) excellent venue. Owner Tony a lovely gentleman who makes everyone feel very welcome. <br/><br/>Try the veal, no try the pasta, no try the risotto. Got to have the Mushroom and Artichoke soup next time. Daughter had the soup and let me have a very very very small taste. For desert, you can't go past the Tiramisu.... We will be dining there again... Birthday coming up in July, can't wait.<br/><br/>Compared to other restaurants on Unley Road, this one is a winner, with car parking out the back.

I have been here OFTEN for many different occasions and have always had excellent food and wonderful service. Tony is a gem and can't do enough to please his customers. Try it!

We had a beautiful dinner tonight! The service by the owner Tony and the young female waitress was superb, it was attentive without being intrusive and the meals came out in very reasonable time considering how busy it was. <br/><br/>The bruschetta to start was to die for! I could've eaten 6 of them alone and been content, but the mains looked to good to resist. We had 2 pastas and 1 steak, all cooked perfectly. The steak melted in your mouth and was full of flavor. Both of the pastas were cooked to perfection but both tasted completely different... and with only a few pasta dishes on the menu it was great to still find such variety. <br/><br/>The wine list was extensive enough without having too many to choose from and there were lots of support for local wines and still some imported to suit everyone. <br/><br/>Overall, It was a very nice atmosphere the decor still a little old and traditional but the whole restaurant was clean, had comfortable chairs and the staff were very knowledgable and friendly! <br/><br/>I will definitely be back to eat with a larger group of friends again!

Amazing food and great service!. I would really recommend this lovely restaurant. It has great atmosphere and the food and service is superb! the staff are very friendly and the main servings are big enough to share between two. Try the crab!

This is a very nice restaurant for relaxed dining, the staff an the service are superb. We were treated like royal customers. The food arrived at our table very quickly, antipasto plate for one person was enough to share between two people. Salmon and advocado entree was very fresh. Spaghetti marinara was also delicious, the size was not too small and not too big, was just right. The special lamb with lentils and eggplant was very tasty, a wonderful dish full of protein. To top it off affogato and Tiramisu- highly recommend, a very yummy dinner.

Great Food. Great Service. What else can one say? After several visits I can easily say the food is excellent and the service friendly, quick but un-rushed, calm and congenial. The restaurant's seating is comfortable and uncrowded. They even take the Ambassador Card. You won't be disappointed.

Had the most wonderful time here the other night for dinner. Chicken risotto is divine. Food all delicious, service impeccable. Decor quite dated and a rather older clientele but a nice change from the crowded noisy Italian restaurants. Tiramisu is delish!

Soft Shell Dream. I recently walked into La Tombola with my wife and 2 children for an unplanned celebratory dinner. We dont eat Italian often and i spied a dish i'd never tried before in the main courses "Soft Shell Crab" - Wow . The Dish has so much depth I am salivating just thinking about it...Three Soft Shell Crabs - sweet and soft wrapped in breadcrumbs deep fried ( but not oily) with a layer of light zesty aioli Topped with a crown of Rocket, all resting on a Salsa of Puy Lentils, Red onion, Tomato and Coriander. This is my "discovery" dish and I called the Manager over to express my happiness. I've never been compelled to write a review before but I can't begin to do justice to the perfect balance, symphony of complimentary flavours and all round freshness and lightness

Nice food overall... Went back to this old favourite after about a year away and came away somewhat disappointed. The manager is a bit too much 'in your face' in terms of pushing certain products. He could be more relaxed in his recommendations, however, there is no mistaking his earnestness in the customer having an enjoyable time here.<br/><br/>Food costs have obviously gone up! For entrees, the mushroom 'open sandwich"? was reasonably priced at $9.50 but the soft shell crab was a steep $21 for 2 whole crabs...the equivalent at Sushi Train in sushi would be $14. However, this is a restaurant, I suppose. The flavours and 'crunchiness' of the crabs were similar in quality to Sushi Train.<br/><br/>My mains of lamb bacstrap was tasty and cooked to 'rare' as ordered, but at $34.90 was on the borderline of acceptable. However, the lamb shanks (as written on the board) special was in reality just 1 shank, not 2. It should have been written as 'lamb SHANK' and not 'lamb SHANKS' on the board. As such, $34 for 1 shank is definitely steep!<br/><br/>Good thing we had the Entertainment Book Gold Card and got 25% off!!

Mrs. Recently dined with a group of friends. As I am one who delights in fine food, i was not left disappointed. I savoured every bit of my pasta dish which was listed as one of the specials. Satisfying in portion and flavour..

Great host. Went with my husband for lunch and had a great time . The owner was very friendly and passionate about his restaurant. Food was good but the way we were made to feel at home really made our experience special. We'll be back.

Excellent attentive service, genial 'mein host' who's obviously been there for ever. I had a delicious salmon and avocado pasta; very generous serve. I ate every morsel. My friend had a veal dish and said it was divine. Lots of fellow middle aged short haired ladies dining in groups, but some younger couples as well. Decore a bit dated but nothing offensive. I'll be back.

****. Very tasty food, old-school service, comfy atmosphere. Loved it.

Best pasta I have ever eaten!. I went to La Tombola a couple of weeks ago.<br/>I selected the pasta special and was not dissapointed !<br/>It was the moreton bay bugs in a white wine and cream sauce with fresh tomato and avocado<br/>The sauce was exquisite and the pasta delicious<br/>I would highly recommend any one who loves real Italian food to go there<br/>Tony is a legend

A true Italian delight. Rarely is good authentic Italian cuisine found these days, but this restaurant really does encompass the beautiful spirited culture of Italy, though its beautiful food, fantastic customer service (Tony is just a gem!) and elegant decor. La Tombola is classified as one of Adelaide truly talented restaurants. Bon Appetit!

Fantastic food, great wine brilliant service!!!!

Fantastic food, great service.. Best steak I have had in a long time!

Long term fan. Our favourite restaurant. We have been dining at La Tombola for many, many years. The staff are wonderful and non intrusive. They offer the choices of the day and then leave us to enjoy the wonderful food and ambiance of the venue. I could not disagree more with 'Not a Fan'. The menu is constantly upgraded and beautifully presented. Well done Tony and staff.

Perfect Place for eating. This is the best restaurant I have ever been......I recomend all guys, who search for a unique taste, try this one and you will enjoy. Staff there is very friendly and specially thumbs up for the manager.

Not a fan. We went for lunch at La Tombola and admittedly it was quiet with only a few customers The owner would not leave us alone and was consistently and persistently trying to sell us extra food and extra side dishes and extra wine. By the end his face was so frequently at our table I wasn't sure who I was supposed to be lunching with my friend or the restaurant owner. It really spoiled the whole thing and was very expensive. I still wake up an night expecting his face to pop out from somewhere unexpected.

The service was amazing, waitors and waitresses were really attentive. The food was well presented and taste was beautiful. I highly reccomend La Tombola.

Parking can be challenging, but worth the effort. The food is delicious with large helpings. The staff are friendly and efficient. I have eaten here many times and highly recommend it for any occassion.

I'm not sure what a Tombola is, so I check the dictionary. In English, it's "a lottery in which tickets are drawn from a revolving drum." This sounds bad. Maybe they'll draw my dinner from a revolving drum. :(

I’ve gone through most of the high-rated (according to Urbanspoon) fancy restaurants in the CBD. I’m not a fan of parking in the northern half of the city, so I’ve started on Unley Road now, at La Tombola.

This dish gives me the same feeling as the pasta. This is typical food at its best. There’s no way this can compete with the fancy restaurants, but if you like very typical dishes consistently done as best they can be, this is the place.

This spaghetti was packed full of flavours! Absolutely enjoyed this and scrapped off all the sauce with some buttered bread at the end. There were plenty of prawns, squid and mussels to eat every mouthful of spaghetti with. Spaghetti was cooked al-dente, and in lovely strands.

This was a very nice restaurant for relaxed dining, the staff and the service were superb. We were treated like royal customers. The owner was so friendly. He gave us his personal recommendations for the food. The food arrived at our table very quickly, antipasto plate for one person was enough to share between two people. Salmon and advocado entree was very fresh.

I was craving for Italian food a week ago and so, have listed a few Italian restaurants in Adelaide that I have yet to go. This type of cuisine reminds me of pasta, just to show how much I know about Italy. I am certain that there are more culinary surprises to experience from the Italians but for now, I am craving either a gnocchi dish or ravioli (have not had the latter before but no harm in trying!). La Tombola was on my list and having an discount coupon from the Adelaide entertainment book sweetened up the deal a lot. Rang the restaurant for reservations and soon thereafter, I planted myself in this comfortable family style restaurant. It was indeed a busy Saturday and boy, was I pleased about making that reservation! Bruschetta Ai Bocconcini ~ Slices of toasted bruschetta topped with roma tomatoes, basil, bocconcini, anchovies and drizzled with olive oil. Jamie Oliver's tv series had taught me about the affairs Italians have with their raw ingredients aka the less handling done,

The staff had been wonderful all night, though we asked for the bill three times and eventually went up to the counter to pay. But again, everyone was very warm bidding us farewell. La Tombola does casual Italian food in a causal setting and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

La Tombola is fine dining restaurant a few doors up Unley Road from Cafe Mondiali . It has fast and friendly table service. On a Saturday night it was full so readers should reserve their places for their tables for the busier nights.