Elva offers the comforts of cosy Italian neighbourhood dining in the bustling epicentre of Bondi Road. You’ll find authentic handmade pasta and bar snacks, accompanied by a range of classic cocktails and Italian vino tucked away behind the frosted double doors, with a mixture of high and low seating along the bar and a leather banquette.
The restaurant, wine bar and deli is named after Bondi native Elva Tesoriero, who lives a few doors down and whose family once ran a fruit shop on the very same site in the 1950s. It’s now in the hands of another Bondi local, Nick Gilbert (who owns the popular Vacanza pizza outlets in Bronte and Surry Hills), whose partner in business is Michael Stevens, of the equally popular Baccomatto Osteria.
Every aspect of the concise menu reflects classic Italian inspiration, with old-school cooking technique, fresh local produce and quality imported ingredients (think Italian black truffles) front and centre. Get the ball rolling with arancini or meatballs and timeless fritto misto before moving on to spaghetti carbonara or pappardelle with duck ragu. No-nonsense mains like a fish of the day and Black Angus rump cap round out the savoury side of things.
If you’re after a bargain, pop in for the Spritz and Spuntini Sessions featuring $10 cocktail and snack specials from 5-7pm Tuesday through Friday and 3-6pm on the weekends.