Parlamento

This was my first visit to the new version of Parlamento. And while the décor etc has changed, the quality of the food and the service is still top notch.
A fair sized menu, with a good selection of entrees, pastas, mains and of course, desserts.
I’ve not heard of the pasta ever being overcooked (a blessing) their sauces are rich and flavourful
Steak you say? the 400+gram Bistecca is a delight MMMM.
You’ll pretty much need to book a table if you want to go in the evening.
Parlamento is one of those Adelaide staple places. Always a reliable, good quality feed.

This place has been around for a very long time and the food is great.
The dishes are very very large and good value for money. Great pasta and amazing chicken dishes!
Can get very busy so be sure to book and can be a tight squeeze on busy nights.
Great food and service.

This is an institution here in Adelaide. Packed with locals who know. Expect easy fast service. An extensive menu. Amazing pastas. House dishes are incredible. The Penne Putanesca is rich with a chilli kicker. Great service and the city is at your feet. Large parties welcome. Walk to the Casino, Festival Centre, Footy, cricket or clubs (if you are young). I come here every time I travel to Adelaide without fail.
Trust me
Say hi to Ralph. Tell him that I sent you

One of those restaurants that people walk pass all the time and quite a number will not think of stopping by and eating in. I’ve walked passed Parlamento so many times on the way to uni or on the way to cut through to Hindley Street to catch up with my friends over some drinks or to head to a party in the city.
My first time here I was blown away by how generous the servings are and I honestly think one main meal can be shared between two people; they clearly are not stingy here at all and I think my mouth fell open when my dish was set in front of me much to the amusement of the waiter; my friend ordered a lamb shank and she smiled so much at how huge the portion was. My other friend and I both ordered pasta dishes and while both dishes were quite nice but they weren’t anything really rave worthy though I have to give them extra star for the very good value and relaxed atmosphere.
Be sure to come on an empty stomach because if you don’t you will not finish your meal!

Good Italian, good service, nothing to complain about but other than a really good wine list, nothing to shout to the rooftops either. Enjoyable evening, all on my lonesome people watching :)

Blame it on the fact that I’m a Skip or that I prefer quality over quantity, but Parlamento and I have never really got on.
I’ve dined in their small function room; a teensy little quiet space at the back of the restaurant and also in their restaurant before a night at the theatre and both times I’ve walked away wondering if I’m going to the same place everyone in Adelaide raves about all the time?
Meals are incredible value and a main course will feed 2 people. You can order an entrée size of almost everything though (even though that’s not mentioned on the menu). Both times I’ve dined here on a pasta and a risotto dish) I’ve found the food to be incredibly salty and otherwise pretty plain in flavours. Salt, cheese, and maybe another herb. Little things like undercooked pumpkin in a dish and too few prawns in a risotto were also a bit disappointing. I’ve dined at quite a few spots that can make a simple napoletana pasta taste like angel’s tears but unfortunately I’m yet to be convinced here.
The service here is incredibly quick but often feels rushed and a little intense as a result. It’s a great place to bring a group as you can actually hear each other even when it is buzzing with theatre of footy goers. Do make sure you book in advance though and don’t eat lunch beforehand!

You know, walking in there I thought «OK, it’s a bit clinical» until I sat down and noticed a photo of Don Dunstan in his budgie smugglers.
«OK, this is better!» I thought!
We barged into the place, 20 women on a hens night. We were loud, we were slightly silly and we were hungry. The delightful staff accommodated us perfectly and listened to even the pickiest of eaters (Not me, I eat everything.) They’d even let one of the other bridesmaids in early so she could place little presents at every setting for the ladies. Very nicely done!
My calamari and chorizo spaghetti was a heaping pile of gorgeousness. I couldn’t finish it all, which made me a little sad as it was delicious. Everyone’s food looked fabulous, 10 points for the Marinara that came with half a crab and several whole prawns! The wine list was extensive but not overly pretentious. The food came out quickly and they even let us split the bill.
Shouts out to the Parlamento crew, I’ll be back!

As a regular here (when I can afford it), I’ve got nothing but good things to say about this place:
Let’s start with the atmosphere: Modern décor in simple but classic lines and colours. Soft lighting and floor to ceiling glass windows. Classy and upmarket.
Food: Really really good. I’ve had a fair amount of Italian meals, and this is one of my favourite places in terms of flavour and quality consistency. Portions are quite large and I usually end up sharing an appetiser and main with a friend. Crisp vegetables in their salads. Personal favourites includes their signature penne (forgot the name, first on the menu). Risotto Ai Funghi and Ossobuco (veal shin on risotto). Great selection of wine and wine pairing suggestions.
Service: Excellent. Meals get served at the same time. Attentive service without getting underfoot despite the narrow spaces between tables. Sometimes difficult to get the waiter’s attention if you happen to be sitting outside.
Tip: Due to limited spaces, make bookings beforehand for larger parties.

I’m very glad Parlamento opened again. It was shut for years, and used to be a big favourite for my parents when we ventured over to Adelaide. They always used to take me here as a child. Sadly I was too young to remember anything clearly and all I had heard up until it opened its doors again was how good it was.
And how good it is!
Myself and my family all went there for a family friend’s sixtieth birthday. We had a table of about 20 people, and for such a small sized restaurant fitting such a large table of people, I commend the staff on their Tetris skills!
The food and wine was flowing all night, so much in fact that I remember the food being great, but the wine flow has resulted in me not remembering exactly what it was that we ate! Disappointing for sure.
I know we all had a great time, ate some great food, and received some great service. But I also woke up with a great headache.
THANKS PARLAMENTO!