Matt Moran’s Italian steakhouse Compa is officially here, offering a relaxed dining experience in the heart of Canberra’s city.
Compa is the second of Moran’s Canberra spaces to open recently, and is the sister venue to sandwich bar &Sando.
Located on Bunda Street next to Raku, Compa has a focus on local, seasonal produce, with the menu designed to showcase ACT goods.
CD was invited to check out the new venue for dinner on Thursday night, 11 April, and there was certainly plenty to enjoy.
The restaurant was busy with people enjoying their meals, while our dimly lit booth gave the room a moody atmosphere.
We started by ordering a couple of entrees, the fried zucchini flowers and grilled king prawns. The zucchini flowers were the pick of the two dishes.
For mains we had a steak each, an Angus scotch fillet and a Wagyu rump cap. Both were cooked to perfection and the accompanying red wine jus and peppercorn sauce were a great match.
Along with the steaks, we selected a number of sides, the broccolini, spiced slow roasted carrots, roast baby potatoes and the “Cacio e Pepe’ mac n cheese.
The mac n cheese was the clear standout dishes of those sides, and probably of the entire night. The flavour of the cheese sauce was delicious, while the crumbs on top added a wonderful hit of texture.
We were completely stuffed after the entrees, mains, and sides, and may have even had to undo the top button of our trousers. But of course, once the dessert menu came out, it was impossible to resist. We ordered the chocolate torte with amaretto caramel and crème fraîche, which was as rich as it was delicious.
The staff were fantastic, providing great service all night despite the restaurant being busy with hungry guests. The food arrived promptly, with only a short wait for the entrees and mains.
Compa is open for lunch and dinner five nights a week (Tuesday to Saturday) and will be open on Sundays after Mother’s Day (12 May).
Opening hours:
Tues to Sat 12–2.30pm, 5.30pm–late.
Last bookings 9pm
comparistorante.com.au/
@comparistorante
@and_sando
