DeVino Wine and Salumi is Italian through and through, says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.

We popped into lunch at DeVino Wine and Salumi not long after an extended menu had rolled out, perching ourselves at a wooden table near the window, having first explored rows and rows of beautiful wines and gourmet food products. 

A different proposition in the Phillip area – that is destined to be an attraction for wine and food lovers from further afield – DeVino Wine and Salumi invites you to enjoy a true European experience. The food is fresh, focuses on quality ingredients, and looks pretty on the plate. 

We kick-started our experience by sharing an absolutely gorgeous Caprese salad ($20) with bright red, juicy and super tasty tomatoes, carefully placed between slices of smooth and creamy Buffalo mozzarella.

On top were two thick slices of Nonna’s soft and chewy bread. All ingredients were drizzled with Italian extra-virgin olive oil featuring an exceptional flavour profile. Life doesn’t get any better than this simple but timeless Italian dish. 

Our sharing continued with more classic Italian fare, this time a salad celebrating the wonderful marriage of prosciutto di Parma and rockmelon ($25). The thin slices of dry-cured Italian ham offered a distinctive flavour and silky texture, complemented beautifully by sweet slices of melon. 

From the range of intriguing panini (all five versions each $18), we opted for the Viva La Fig. It was scrumptious. The panini was super stuffed with prosciutto crudo, shaved Grana Padano, truffle mayo, fig jam and balsamic glaze. We celebrated every bite. 

I’ll be back to give the tiramisu a go ($11 or $13.50 for De Vino’s homemade limited-edition version).

If you’re at DeVino to take away for a group, the Dolce Box is as “sweet as”. This mix of cookies, chocolates and other gorgeous delights is packaged with luscious pistachio or hazel cream, crunchy nuts and fresh seasonal fruit – perfect for an office morning or afternoon tea. 

The wine line-up at DeVino is stunning. By the glass, we tried a white and a red, which had only recently arrived ($20 a glass but excellent value for the quality).

The Madonna Delle Vittorie 2023 Norea Pinot Blanco was so delicious, I bought a bottle to take home ($55.99). My friend adored the smooth Madonna Delle Vittorie 2023 Lagrein Dunkel DOP. 

If you fancy, choose a bottle from anywhere in the store (add $18 to the price). You can do the same and add a small selection of cured meats and cheeses (bottle price, plus food, $30).

Weekly rotating tastings are $15 for three wines, and DeVino has a refreshing line-up of spritzes and signature cocktails, tapping into the vast array of gins, liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages on offer. Crema Alpina liqueurs include marzapane, pistachio, coffee, wild strawberries and melon.