Sale & Pepe
~ Enjoy light Mediterranean fare ~
One of the most favourite cuisines of all time is that from the Mediterranean. How can it not be with healthy, fresh ingredients cooked to perfection, wonderful seasonal veg and fruit and delicious olives, olive oil, wine and seafood. Oh the seafood!
Looking for a place to eat, my buddy and I ran through a list of venues before venturing out; but still undecided, we drove along Simpson Bay road saying “Maybe…”, “Umm…” and “Perhaps…” when our eyes fell on the Sale & Pepe sign, and both of us uttered a resounding “Yes!” Parking right outside is not always available but there was a spot on this occasion – there is usually plenty of parking on either side of the road.
Blessed air condition made us head indoors but there are tables on the veranda that are often filled with folk enjoying their wonderful meal a la Mediterranean style. The seating inside is not large, the chairs are comfortable and there is also banquette seating along one wall – quite nice actually, as there is a fridge filled with wine right next to it. Large windows and glass doors bring the outside into this contemporary restaurant.
Seated in the cool dining area, we were brought some delicious bread and two dips – olive oil and a spicy/sweet red (tomato/pepper) one. We put our order in for water and wine and tried to decide just what we would have to eat. You have two options when eating at Sale & Pepe, you can go with the buffet style service or have a la carte.
There is a glass counter filled with a choice of freshly made dishes, the favourite of which is the octopus. You will not always find the same choice there each time you go.
My buddy wanted a salad that was recommended; this proved to be huge with grilled vegetables, olives and greens. More bread to dip, another couple glasses of wine and then the choice: Lasagne or eggplant parmigiana? That is the question. Or perhaps one of the many other “pastabilities”? Choose a pasta, a sauce or perhaps calamari, mussels, clams, tuna or one of the meat dishes. The choice is endless.
In the end, we shared anti-pasta as happens in these Italian restaurants; small plates of grilled eggplant; octopus; olives; red peppers; delicious, large arancini (stuffed rice ball which is fried and therefore has a crispy skin); tuna ceviche and sardines.
We then enjoyed the hot pasta and parmigiana dishes and the huge salad but left room for the dessert. There is a choice of great desserts but you will probably find one of the best rich chocolate mousses ever at this delightful Italian spot in Simpson Bay.
Davide (owner), the chef and staff offer great service, but do keep in mind that like most French and Italian restaurants, the pace is slow. There is none of that “Quick! Let’s serve you; get you to finish your meal; here’s the bill; you’re outta here” rush. The atmosphere, food and overall experience are very much in keeping with some of the most wonderful eateries we’ve experienced along the Mediterranean.
Lunch, dinner or takeaway, you will not be disappointed.
Info:
Sale & Pepe
Welfare Road
Simpson Bay
Phone: 527-0799 / 527-5019
Open: 10:00am - midnight
Cuisine: Italian
Good: Seafood, desserts
Price range: $$
Ratings:
Staff friendliness: ***
Service speed: ****
Restaurant cleanliness: ****
Food quality: ****
Value for money: ***
Ambience: ***
