Pensini's Cafe Restaurant Review

How's the serenity...

This is the kind of atmosphere and setting you can spend years looking for, only to realise at the most unexpected moment that it's sitting right under your nose. And it's not provided by an expensive boutique eatery, but a local family who have the gift of the wooden spoon.

Tinaroo Township is a quieter place than it used to be. It's possible to drive around the township on a weekend and not see a single person - either because they are inside their houses reading books or they are out on the lake enjoying a windsurf or a spot of barra fishing. It's a pleasant surprise when driving to the top of the hill overlooking the dam wall to see a charmingly colourful restaurant and bar serving cool drinks and lavish lunches. You can't resist dropping in for a bite. And you certainly won't be disappointed you did.

The atmosphere in this restaurant suits the country surrounding it - casual, informal and friendly. A grand piano sits to one side of the large room, and most tables are located next to the glass windows that offer views of Lake Tinaroo and the surrounding mountains. Music plays softly in the background. The waiter glides around the wooden floor topping up your wine glass. All you can hear is the wind, the birds, and the conversation of your loved ones. The world is a magical place after all.

A test of any restaurant is their calamari or squid dish. For dinner, I had small squid fried lightly in olive oil - a dish that sounds simple but can be dangerous. Squid and calamari has a nasty tendency to turn into a ball of rubber bands when overcooked, or retain a slimy squid-like texture when undercooked. What's the ideal cooking time? Beats the hell out of me. It must be based on a complicated equation involving algebra and algorithms locked in a vault in the UN headquarters. But Pensini's has the secret knowledge. My squid was, to use a term that isn't often associated with scary sea-creatures, gorgeous. The salad that came with the meal was fresh and plentiful, providing a massive meal that left me feeling like a whale basking in the sunlight on a calm ocean. Now that's imagery.

If you're not particularly hungry, you may want to think twice about ordering an entrée and main meal. The servings at Pensini's are big enough for the most ravenous patron whether you are there for lunch or dinner. Maree, the chef who lives on the premises, strictly uses local tableland produce in all the meals from the finest local beef to fresh barramundi. Even the lettuce is locally grown.

Be assured however, that the wine is not. Sourced from the finest Australian vineyards, Pensini's has a comprehensive wine list with something to suit to everyone's taste. The bar contains a thorough selection of liquor and the exotic cocktails are electrifying.

Due to the quietness of Tinaroo these days, it's necessary to make a booking at Pensini's. What, you ask? Isn't that a contradiction? Believe it or not, you need to make a booking to ensure Pensini's is open when you want it to be. If not enough tables are confirmed filled the restaurant cannot open for business on some nights.

Be sure to make a visit. It's well worth it.

- Diner Diller

Pensini's Cafe Restaurant	Tinaroo Township
Delightful family-run restaurant overlooking the dam wall at Lake Tinaroo. Large, fresh meals served in a relaxing environment. Pensini's is an ideal place for lunch if you are visiting the Atherton Tablelands.
cuisines: Australian features: A la carte, Cafe, Licensed, Mastercard, Visa review: How's the serenity... (21/3/2003) contact: (07) 958242 | 12 Church Street
Mini Reviews
nadia kaspar	25th Feb 2006
Pensini's is one of my favourite restaurants. I have been there for dinner twice and would go more often if it wasn't so far from where I live. The food is unbelievably good and the staff are friendly. The setting is also very relaxing. I'll be going back.
Adrienne	29th Mar 2005
I absolutely loved Pensini's! We weren't sure what to expect when we walked in on a whim one morning for a light lunch, but Pensini's was some of the best food and presentation I have ever had in my entire life, from France to Spain to the U.S. I loved Pensini's!
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