By Michelle Gaduzo
Originally from the vibrant Indian city of Hyderabad, Vivek Ponugoti is taking the food scene in Cairns by storm with his Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Located at The Pier, Piato offers some of the best food in Cairns, and the view is almost as impressive.
Originally drawn to Australia to pursue studies in Information Technology, Vivek Ponugoti soon discovered his true passion lay in the world of food. He always had a passion for cooking and after coming across a restaurant for sale with a stunning view, he couldn’t resist. He says: “I loved the location; the view is something you can’t buy with money.”
Owning businesses is something that has always run in Vivek’s family, so it comes as no surprise that Piato has been awarded the Traveller’s Choice Award on TripAdvisor for 2023. He stated that he tries to provide customers with a unique experience, by making sure they are being looked after from the minute they’re seated to the minute they leave. He also ensures that his servers go through thorough checks through every course they have, including their drinks.
Despite coming from an Indian background, Vivek draws inspiration from cuisine from around the world, and you can find influences from Spain and Italy in several of his dishes. He explains: “As long as you have that passion and love towards a plate, you can cook any cuisine in the world.” Yet, Indian flavours remain a cornerstone, a nod to his childhood’s aromatic spices.
Vivek grew up eating dishes that were bursting with flavour, and that influence is something that he has brought to his thriving restaurant. His knowledge of flavours and spices has led to the creation of a wonderful and diverse menu, one that Cairns’s locals and visitors can’t get enough of. One example of this is their scallops and pork belly entrée. In this dish, the seared scallops and crispy pork belly are served with a carrot and rosemary puree with dried olive and fennel butter. When Vivek serves it to customers, he advises they taste everything together as a whole to get a mouthful that’s bursting with flavours.
As Cairns is known for very hot and humid summers, Vivek intends to have a different menu for the warmer months, one that features more cold seafood and salad dishes, such as some smoked salmon with a refreshing citrus dressing.
In contemplating the restaurant's future, Vivek is resolute in his ambition to elevate Piato to new heights. He views hospitality as an ever-evolving industry, and it is one that he intends to combine with his passion for food and knowledge of customer service together to give customers an outstanding experience.
