REVIEW. Beautiful Southern Italian cuisine, the freshest flavoursome food in Parramatta right now. 4 Stars (****_)

WHERE. Church St, Parramatta, about 45 minutes from Sydney CBD.

Every so often I make the journey to Parramatta. the demographic epicentre of Sydney. For most people visiting Sydney is the harbour, for many migrants and people living in Sydney’s suburban sprawl, Parramatta is the CBD.

Think of Parramatta as Sydney equivalent to New York Queens.

Criniti’s is Sicilian cuisine with fabulous Southern Italian food.

The veal is great, and includes a medley of real vegetables. The steak was good last time I had it, and the seafood pasta with fresh mussels looked spectacular. Pasta I have had with sausages or risotto have all been good in the past.

My business client and I had wood-fired supreme pizzas, and in a suburb that has more wood-fired pizza restaurants than feasible, these are the best.

Service can be slow, especially given how popular this place is at lunch and dinner.

Prices are high, $36 for a main, but at least you get food of a high quality and good quantity for the price.

The wine is overpriced, as are most drinks. If you rather beer or spirits they are reasonable by Sydney prices, but this is Parramatta.

Truth is the food is so good you do not mind the price. The food here really is spectacular.

What’s more the food has great quality ingredients, is full of flavour, and does not taste commercial like oil, like many restaurants in this area.

Crinitis is Sicilian food, Sicilian with all that brings to mind, but has great fresh food. It’s the best restaurant in Parramatta, Sydney’s secondary centre.

To book and visit. Ph:+61 2 9635 0311 / 291, Church St, Parramatta