Chapter 88

Ok this might just be the best tiramisu outside of Melbourne… I mean Italy!
The staff are lovely and the food is authentic.
Can’t wait to go back and try the cannolli… sorry cavallaro & sons (Melb’s) you will always be my número uno!!!

And no, Chapter 88 is not quite like Ciao Italia in South Perth. Chapter 88 shouts modern, casual and contemporary, serving up breakfast and lunch favourites. From hearing about Chapter 88, I have always wanted to give it a shot since it was so close to uni and it was decided that Chapter 88 would be a perfect place to catch up with the girls over lunch.
We ordered one dish from each section of the menu to get a little taste test of what Chapter 88 have to offer. First up, we had the Crispy spiced calamari, lime garlic aioli and mixed leaf tomato salad ($ 19.50). The calamari was fresh and crispy on the outside. Not oily. Not greasy. It was light. Together with the lime garlic aioli, it gave some fragrance and acidity to the calamari, making it a perfect starter or an afternoon snack.
We had the Special of the Day which is the Lamb Fettucine. As Chapter 88 is also owned by Ciao Italia, you would expect that the pasta here should also be as good. Yes, it was. The Lamb Fettucine at Chapter 88 was executed well. The fettucine was cooked perfectly to al dente and the sauce, creamy and flavoursome.
Next up, was the Grilled Barramundi, tomato salsa and mixed leaf tomato salad ($ 29.50). The Barramundi was fresh and it was cooked perfectly. Not undercooked or overcooked. It was soft and tender with light and subtle flavours. The tomato salsa, together with the salad added a punch of freshness and acidity to the dish, marrying the flavours well together.
We also had the Grilled Pork Bratwurst, caramelised onion jus, creamed truffle mash, buttered brocollini and crispy potato wafers ($ 26.50). The Pork Bratwurst was delicious — it was full of flavour together with the caramelised onion jus. The creamed truffle mash was perfectly smooth and creamy. But, my only question is — Where are the truffles?
The part which we have all been looking forward is dessert. And everyone knows what Ciao Italia is popular for — wait for it — TIRAMISU! Yes, yes, the classic Italian Tiramisu. Chapter 88’s tiramisu did not disappoint — it was melt in your mouth heavenly. The tiramisu was layered perfectly with soft textures and creamy mascarpone plus a drizzle of chocolate sauce. When you have finished devouring one, yes, you will be asking for more.
My thoughts? I enjoyed Chapter 88 and thought that the food was excellent. Service was very efficient and friendly too. How I wish Chapter 88 existed a few years ago — it would be a perfect place to reward ourselves with food, cake and coffee to celebrate the end of assignments, exams or a semester. Oh and I have good news for you. Chapter 88 is not only open for breakfast and lunch but it is open for dinner too!

Driving past this unassuming café almost every day for the past three months, I never thought to step in. I never thought to step in until someone told me that Ciao Italia had opened a branch at the Broadway centre area. I didn’t believe it. I didn’t believe it until I looked carefully, and saw in small font under the Chapter 88 logo, «…by Ciao Italia». Sold.
Today, I walked in and was greeted by the familiar faces from Ciao Italia. Not gonna lie, I was probably already sold by this point. Soaking up the décor, it’s the exact opposite from their South Perth establishment, with modern furnishing and open spaces. A variety of table spaces to fit different groups of people, and comfortable seating. The menu listing is what you would expect from a hip lunchtime café, with prices that are not exactly out of place in the middle of Nedlands. Probably not a bad idea, so that it isn’t packed out with broke University students (although, there’ll probably be some of the ‘neighbourhood’ students)…
When the food came out, I was surprised by how large the portions were. For a lunch, I wasn’t expecting a heap of pasta on my plate, but it was so delicious that I cleaned my plate anyway, with room to spare for dessert. Of course I had to try the dessert. All in the name of a good review, of course. =P

Familiar faces everywhere.
A few of the regular waiters from Chao Italia have come accross to this new branch over in Nedlands on Broadway.
A reasonable sized menu with plenty of fresh options is to be found here. We opted for the grilled asian beef, soba noodles, crispy shallots, bean shoots, cucumber, coriander, mint leaves and capsicum in Chapter 88’s Thai style dressing and the linguine with baby clams, garlic, fresh tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil in a white wine sauce.
Surprisingly the grilled asian beef was the standout. It is served cold and was very refreshing in the current climate. Add to this an explosion of flavour and Chapter 88 is onto a winner.
I found the Linguine needed a bit more salt but once this change was made the dish came up one level. Having said that, this dish is all about suttle flavours so don’t expect to be blown away with flavours.
Décor is minimalist yet trendy. Add to this friendly staff with a smile providing great service, Chapter 88 is worth a look.