Canberra’s best antipasto platters

By Ashleigh Went.

Antipasto – even writing the word makes me salivate. This sublimely satisfying trio of meats, cheese and olives is such a party starter. It’s the perfect thing to order with a glass of vino and a group of good friends, or even on date night… is it just me or is there something just a little sensual about eating with your hands? Guys? … Guys?

I digress. Here’s where to get Canberra’s best antipasto platters.

Temporada

Temporada achieves the near impossible, being both so hipster it hurts and serving up wickedly delicious fare. It’s fine dining but it a kind of casual way – much like Antipasto, come to think of it!

Their cured meats and pickles are exactly what they promise to be; crisp, pickled vegetables and shaved meats. Gustoso.

This is: what I'm not currently eating, but wish I was. A lovely dinner, with some lovely people, from a few weeks ago. @temporadacanberra #canberra #visitcanberra #thiscanberranlife #sofranksocial #ediblecitiescbr #eatcanberra

A photo posted by Casuarina Forsyth (@casuarinaforsyth) on Apr 21, 2016 at 10:14pm PDT

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Cured Meat Plank is, in my humble opinion, the crown of their Antipasti & Nibbles menu. There’s prosciutto, artisanal mortadella and Angus bresaola, plus sharp pecorino and mini buffalo mozzarella. There’s also chilli jam (SO underrated), pickles and olives, plus a cute little bowl of vegetable slaw.

It also comes on a plank propped up by retro tins of tomato – insta-worthy and delicious.

Guys, don't forget we are open all Easter Long Weekend! Pop in for an Easter Feast, we've got loads of amazing specials for you to try. JIx #easterfeast #jamiesitalianau #jamieoliver

A photo posted by Jamie's Italian Australia (@jamiesitalianau) on Mar 21, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT

Capitol Bar & Grill

I know what you’re thinking, and yes – it is as good as it looks. Our Seasonal Antipasto Table has ‘everything we have’ when it comes to charcuterie: cured meats, mouth-watering cheese and decadent olives. Make it extra lush with a glass of G.H. Mumm to wash it down. You deserve it.

Provini

Provini is new-ish to the Italian scene in Canberra, having opened mid-last year. It’s got a really homey feeling, making you feel just like you’ve stepped into Nonna’s lounge room with lace curtains and exposed brick walls.

Their Antipasto would definitely get Nonna’s tick of approval, with cured meats, marinated veg and olives, as well as Italian cheese. Served with bread, of course. Molto bene.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFfXnO_Fz2f/

Pialligo Farmhouse

Pialligo Estate has a smokehouse on site and produce their own bacon – and it is superb. It’s hardly surprising then that their Charcuterie & Pickles are on point. The board showcases their incredible smokehouse meats plus pickled seasonable vegetables, adorable garnishes and thick cut bread.

Have you tried our delicious charcuterie yet? We will be serving these delicious morsels of happiness at our #sunset drinks on 2 June from 5-7pm

A photo posted by Pialligo Estate (@pialligoestate) on May 23, 2016 at 4:30am PDT

Italian and Sons

This Braddon favourite does an absolute banger of an antipasto plate, with a big focus on the meat. There’s prosciutto san daniele DOP, wagyu bresaola, cacciatore alla finocchiona, culatello, pancetta and Calabrian chilli, PLUS Auricchio provolone cheese, broad bean peso and hand rolled grissini (also known as gourmet bread sticks – drool).

Even without knowing what those things are, you know they sound downright delicious.

This is really tasty!!

A photo posted by roger :: Beijing -> ANU (@zibo.w) on May 31, 2016 at 5:28pm PDT

Buon appetito!