Il Matto turn to Australian produce for new menu

IL MATTO continue to stake their claim as the top authentic Italian experience on the Surf Coast and will focus on sourcing and staying local with their new menu design.

Led by head chef Samuele Buzzo and owner Salvatore Formica, Il Matto are focusing on Australian produce for their newest offering, while always staying true to their Italian roots.

Il Matto will debut a new Italian inspired gnocchi bar, restart the pizza bar and dive into new food options such as swordfish and duck ragout.

New pizzas will also be on the menu, with vegan and gluten free options available.

“We are really excited for the new menu, which will continue to give diners the authentic Italian experience,” Il Matto owner Salvatore Formica said.

“The new menu is going to include many items that are one, Australian made, but are also affordable for the amazing quality of the dish.

“With the rises in prices across all sectors, we want to keep our business and our dining experience affordable for all.

“New meal options including our duck ragout, the stuffed pistachio and pesto swordfish, bottarga and the gnocchi items are all premium quality, however will all be at a price that everyone can enjoy.”

The new menu from Il Matto will see more than 85 per cent of produce come from Australia, focusing on championing and restarting industries across the country.

“We buy our salami from Queensland, source our seafood from South Australia and get our cheeses predominantly from New South Wales,” Mr Formica said.

“Our menu will change seasonally, with new and fresh produce that is popular at the time coming into the menu each three to four months.”

“We want to use the seasonal produce to create jobs and business for all people around Australia; it’s a chain effort that we want to be a part of, and we believe it is important to support each other during these difficult times.”

Il Matto also aim to focus on targeting their vegan and gluten-free offering, highlighting that 98 per cent of produce will be available for those with dietary requirements.

The new gnocchi bar will feature three types of woodfired gnocchi.

The new beer and wine menu will also be fit for anyone’s fancy with Italian and Australian brews on hand to suit any occasion.

With their fifth-year anniversary just around the corner, the Il Matto team are extremely humbled by the support and generosity of the community, especially during the pandemic.

“Luckily, our business continues to go up and up,” Mr Formica said.

“It is a true testament to the local community who keep turning up for our authentic Italian experience.

“The Surf Coast Shire have also been big supporters of our business, offering to block off car parks to put tables so we stayed in line with restrictions, while also pausing and reimbursing our bills during this time.

“Without these local people and groups, we are nothing and they have kept us going.”

Formica said the hard-aworking staff led by Buzzo, executive chef Adnan Jameel and Rocco Potenza had been key to the business staying afloat, with the trio continuing to bring more customers into the venue with their cooking prowess.