I’VE been to Ricetta in Manuka three times – twice for coffee and once for lunch. Lunch was the best because they got my coffee order right and I loved my fungi and truffle oil pizza.

Ricetta means “recipe” in Italian and this new venture is on Palmerston Lane, where Manuka Fine Foods used to be. It’s a bakery, café and pizzeria rolled into one.

Many of the 20 pizzas on the menu are truly Italian and a welcome change from the standard (and, I’ll admit, popular) fare served at some pizza joints, like the “Hawaiian” or “the lot” – a pizza base groaning under a load of so many ingredients you can’t taste any particular one.

Ricetta is more refined – simple recipes created with quality ingredients. Early starters can opt for a breakfast pizza ($12 or $14) like the Rusticana, made with a tomato base, egg and sliced Italian sausage. The famous Margherita heads the line-up of tomato-based pizzas ($12 or $14). Pizzas with no sauce include a sea salt, herbs and extra virgin olive oil ($7.50) and one with marinated salmon pieces, buffalo mozzarella and red hot chillies ($14).

Ricetta’s pizzas are individual sizes and mine had a paper-thin crust. The funghi ($12) was generous with mozzarella cheese, mushrooms and a decent drizzle of truffle oil. Made in Ricetta’s massive pizza oven, imported from overseas, it came to the table piping hot and you could instantly smell the divine oil.

My friend’s meal hadn’t arrived, so she encouraged me to get stuck in since this is not a pizza you want to eat cold. It was perfect for lunch and I was happy I wasn’t going to be hit by that sinking feeling that creeps up on you after you’ve indulged in heavy food at midday.

Ricetta has five other breakfast dishes (available all day), including prosciutto egg cups ($14) and scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, Italian sausage and toasted Italian bread $16), which my friend ordered. I was underwhelmed by the presentation – the eggs seemed rather pale and the sausage looked overly greasy (she confirmed it was a bit fatty).

The dining experience is much more than just tasty food. It’s about surrounds, service and vibe. On this front, I believe Ricetta needs to fine-tune its recipe. I found the décor sparse and uninviting. The display of pastries didn’t make me drool and, perhaps, it needs a splash of colour or artwork. Who knows? I’m no interior designer… just a person who eats out – a lot.

Ricetta isn’t licensed or BYO. Shop 13-14, Palmerston Lane, Manuka; open 7.30am to 5.30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday.  Call 6295 2778.