“I  CAN’T tell you how good this is,” my companion mumbled. Which wasn’t very helpful given this was a review of Mt Lawley restaurant Three Coins.

As she took another bite of her pistachio-crusted lamb cutlet ($36) she paused to opine: “It is absolutely melt in the mouth.”

Earlier, taking the edge off our appetite, we’d started with a crisp woodfired focaccia with extra-virgin olive oil and rosemary ($8), a magnificent choice and despite the best intentions of saving a slice to go with my pasta it disappeared in no time.

All pastas are made in-house by the brothers Luca and Francesco Trequattrini.

Three Coins is a literal translation of the family name and the eatery, with its red-and-white checked table cloths and woodfired pizza oven, is very much a family affair.

Mum and dad Sabrina, and Fabio are hands on, daughter Annalisa is the manager, while a team of extended family members can be found at the busy restaurant most days.

My pumpkin and taleggio ravioli with white truffle oil, butter sage and parmesan sauce ($26) was absolutely delicious, the salty flavours and the truffle oil contrasting wonderfully with the sweetness of the pumpkin.

A shared side salad had us in rapture, the sweet sharpness of fresh nectarine adding a piquancy to the leaves and buffalo mozzarella, and the almond flakes a pleasant crunch.

Feeling very good about life, it was time for dolci.

The tiramisu ($14) came highly recommended, made by Sabrina from an old family restaurant. It arrived with a bowl of melted chocolate on the side, and if you have to die from over-rich food all I can say is “what a way to go”.

My mate had the white chocolate mousse, with berry compote and amaretto crumble ($14), which had been described as a lighter option.

“In what world would you say this is light,” she cried, tucking in with delight.

Thank goodness for a couple of great coffees to stave off sugar overload.

Fabulous.

by JENNY D’ANGER

Three Coins
776 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley
9271 6033
open Tue–Sun 5.30–9.30pm,
Wed–Sun 12–3pm,
closed Mon •Licensed