Russell’s Pizza Restaurant Review Willunga

 
 
Image: Willunga Wino




The Russell’s cat is truly out of the bag.


The good burghers at the Sydney Morning Herald put Russell’s on their top 10 Foodie Must-Do’s in August 2013 which cemented it’s place on the radar of every Fairfax reader.

Even with it a mere stroll from my front door, booking several weeks in advance has always been a must. Sometimes in summer, the doors are flung open on a Thursday as “locals night” in addition to the regular Friday & Saturday night openings.

By day, Russell’s blends perfectly into the heritage character cottages lining High St Willunga, sitting unassumingly behind a pretty native garden and rustic restored cottage (watch the steps, and your head if you are tall!). 



 
A welcoming sign. Photo: Willunga Wino
 
 



Come six o clock on the weekend and it is hopping. 
 
 
Folks soak up the summer sun or warm themselves in the winter by fires on the verandahs. 




Young pizzaolo roll and top and wield paddles in the wood fired oven at a rapid and constant pace, while the maitre’d welcomes groups, dispenses take away orders, and plates up delicious looking slabs of cake.



 
 
 
Hive of activity inside. Photo: Willunga Wino
 
 
 
 
 
Popular for large celebrations like wedding receptions & birthdays is the “back shed” with room for a hundred or more and most weekends hosting a singalong.

You could enjoy the sunset in the garden, or on the verandah. 

Or, cosy up by the fire.
 


Music, the glow of candlelight and chatter wafts with the alluring scent of pizza from within the cottage, another option for dining. 

You can state your preference when booking, all are charming.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Comfy, rustic, beautiful. Photo: Willunga Wino
 
 
When dining in, you can choose to order a-la-carte from the short menu of woodfired pizzas, starters, cakes and local beer or wines. 

Alternatively, and my usual option, is to pay $35 a head for “2 courses” of a generous appetizer platter, as many pizzas of your choice as you can eat, and corkage. If you have a second stomach for desserts – there is also a three course option.


I love BYO. 


At Russell’s, you can bring a special bottle or two, or, an esky full, as the locals regularly do.  
 
 
 
 
McLaren Vale has perfect pizza-wine. Photo: Willunga Wino

Being in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region, you are spoilt for choice of meditteranean variety wines, perfectly matched to pizza. 

Try the Aglianico two doors up at Hither & Yon, or next door at Minko.


When it’s hot, we pair the pizzas usually with a rose. 

Perhaps the strawberries & cream fragrant and crisp finishing Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River 2013 Rose.  It is light & crisp, with a nice acid line that provides good length. The Melbourne Wine Show agreed, giving it a handy bauble.

 
Another regular on our table. Photo: Willunga Wino
 
 
 
 
The starter platter by itself, I would be happy to pay $35 for. 
 
 
 
 
 
Starter platter from one visit to Russell’s. Photo: Willunga Wino





Fresh McLaren Vale olive oil is delivered to Russell’s in two litre flagons, and is poured generously. 


Crusty bread is perfectly soft in the centre just made for dipping. 



One component of the starter is the best dukkah I’ve ever tasted – and insiders tip – you can buy it next door at Minko Wines & Providore.





 
Unbelievably flavoured dukkah. Photo: Willunga Wino





The salad component is rustic and thick cut – great for sharing sans cutlery. Wash your hands first!



Garlicky lemony mushrooms retain a fresh crunch. 



I can never decide if they are my favourite, or the dukkah, or green beans, or…or…or..!





 
One of the seasonal starter salads. Photo: Willunga Wino
 
 
 
 

Crisp, new season almonds are warm and intensely flavoursome.  





 
Just try and keep your fingers out of there! Photo: Willunga Wino






Pickled baby beets, new asparagus, wood oven roasted capsicum, cumin sweet heirloom carrots, sweet peas, beans, fetta, olives and radishes round it out.



If you’re dining a la carte, you can buy a bread & dukkah plate separately ($8) or likewise a salad plate ($8) and if you ask extra nicely, a half and half.






 
Half dukkah half salad plate $8 a la carte. Photo: Willunga Wino

As part of the all you can eat two or three course option you also recieve a serving of the oven baked meatballs with a tomato based sauce. They are moist, flavoursome and delicious.  

 
 
 
 

Tonight we team the groaning platter with a Kiwi beer, the Belgian Tripel style Moa St Joesephs, with banana aromas, caramel, and hop bitterness plus a swag of Asia, NZ & Aus beer awards.

 
 
We order our first round of pizzas.
 
 
Simply delicious margherita is topped with silky-stretchy mozzerella, sweet ripe tomato, and fresh basil. Perfection.
 
 
 
 
Margherita heaven. Photo: Willunga Wino
 

Bases are bubbled and crisp at the edges, overall a little thicker than those at Beach Road Wines.


 
Irresistable Margherita. Photo: Willunga WIno
 
 
 
 
Seafood Pizza is laden with baby squid, calamari, prawns, and oysters. 
 
Spoilt we are in the Fleurieu with abundant fresh local seafood. 
 
 
 
A taste of McLaren Vale. Photo: Willunga Wino


The Lamb Turkish is always popular, with it’s distinct shape and fresh topping of Kangaroo Island Sheep Milk Yogurt, cucumber and tomato.



 
The distinctive Lamb Turkish. Photo: Willunga Wino

Round two is the “white” anchovy pizza, with sweet onion and salty anchovy spots. 


Devoured before there is time to take a picture.


Veggie Supreme has feta, broccoli, eggplant, potato, olives and onion. It is delectable.




 
 
 
Veggie supreme. Photo: Willunga Wino



We have never made it to the full three courses and to try dessert. 

 

 
 
Chocolate and strawberry cake. Photo: Willunga Wino
 
 
 
 
They look delectable, and change with the seasons. 
 
One time we were offered some fresh home grown fejoa’s to take home with us.
 
 
 
 
So very tempting. Photo: Willunga Wino
 
 
 
 
 
Soak up what Russell’s offers. 

Enjoy it with an open heart & open mind. 

Produce is pure, local and changes with the seasons, as does the experience. 

Relax, ease into country time, and do as the locals do and byo a lovely local drop or two. 
 


What do you want to try at Russell’s? Comment below!



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Rating : 5 Glasses
Price: $$
Menu – Pizza, appetisers, cake
Atmosphere / Ambience: Historic, rustic, casual, welcoming, unique, bustling.
Standout Dish: Margherita pizza and the appetizer plates.
Service: Friendly.
Online Booking: No – bookings need to be made by phone, usually 3 weeks in advance.
Restaurant Details and Location:
Russell’s Pizza
Tel No: 08 8556 2571
Meal Size: All you can eat
13 High St, Willunga

Opening Hours: Friday & Saturday: 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Access: Plenty of on street parking.


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