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Bollito Pasta Brings a Taste of Italy to Gosford

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Schmick New Pasta Bar Brings Taste of Italy to Gosford

In the heart of Gosford, this pocket-sized eatery is full of soul and sure to satisfy all your pasta cravings.

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Written by Dana Pendrick

Aaah, pasta. It’s an indulgent and comforting staple that we all love to enjoy. Fortunately, we don’t have to venture halfway across the world just to try it – even though we might want to. We can eat the delicious dough right here on the Central Coast thanks to the talented Mark Wiseman from Bollito Pasta.

handmade pasta gosford — Handcrafted perfect pasta

After 24 years as a chef, Mark decided to channel his own passion for Italian cuisine, along with his love of big flavours, into Gosford’s first pasta bar. In that time, the young dad has been mastering the art of many pasta favourites, using premium Australian durum flour and semolina.

mark wiseman bollito pasta — Mark Wiseman from Bollito Pasta in Gosford

“I am up early every morning, making pasta fresh each day,” Mark told Coasties.

“The filled pastas, like the agnolotti, are going crazy at the moment.”

The sheer craftsmanship that goes into making each piece is easy to see, and taste, for yourself. As you’re welcomed inside the front door of Bollito’s, feast your eyes on the carefully presented cabinet of edible goods. Fresh pastas, like extra-large pappardelle, tagliatelle, campanelle and spaghetti, sit delicately beside slow cooked garlic thyme sugo, grilled capsicum and artichoke pesto’s, reggiano and pangrattato. It all sounds delicious, right? If you’re like us and have trouble deciding which ones to pick, Mark is more than happy to guide you in the right direction. Not only is the pasta pretty to look at but he wraps it all up so that each parcel feels like an indulgent little gift.

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“I want the business to constantly be evolving, unlike in a restaurant where the menu only changes a couple of times a year,” Mark said.

“I like the freedom of it evolving daily.”

Choosing not to have a permanent menu is a testament to his many talents. He keeps customers updated regularly on social media, especially with his pre-order Friday pasta packs, which are always exciting. It’s one of many unique elements of the Bollito experience that distinguishes this niche Central Coast pasta bar from the rest.

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cooked pasta meal — Restaurant quality from your own kitchen

“We want to offer people the opportunity to eat restaurant-quality meals at home, which are full of flavour but only take minutes to cook,” Mark said.

“I want all of that to be accessible to everyone – dinner for one, big family celebrations, last minute weeknight meals and even those passing on the gift of delicious pasta.” Mark says his customers genuinely love the concept and he finds it is a major appeal of the booming business.

“They’re just really happy that there’s someone doing fresh pasta with time and care and effort put into it,” he said.

“We want our customers to enjoy eating the classics but also feel the excitement of trying newer varieties. Our tiny kitchen is the perfect place to test new concepts.”

bollito pasta gosford central coast — Selection of delicious pasta accompaniments

Not only does Mark feed hungry customers from his humble shopfront opposite Gosford train station, but he also supplies his freshly made pasta to local businesses, including some of Central Coast’s biggest venues. With an infant in tow and a growing trade, things are busier than ever. Yet, he stills finds time to have a chat with every customer.

“I’d like to help further build a sense of community in Gosford. Our herb garden is thriving and we’re hoping in just a few weeks the community will be able to pick fresh herbs to add to their pasta dishes,” Mark said.

“We’re also working on stocking our shelves with our favourite complimentary ingredients from the region, plus some favourite imports.”

He believes Gosford’s food culture has come so far, and we’re convinced he’s playing an integral role in that transformation.