This City2Surf, eat the pasta and you’ll run faster.
The City2Surf is just around the corner. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon and started your ‘sofa to surf’ training yet, chances are you know somebody who has. Whether it’s you or your mates, fuelling for the race is top priority. We’ve thrown together a list of the best pasta joints across Sydney, so you can get your carb fix in before the big race on Sunday 11th August.
Pompei’s, Bondi Beach
Start your City2Surf journey on Bondi Beach and end on Bondi Beach! Visiting Pompei’s not only guarantees some particularly tempting pasta, it also means that you can enjoy your meal right on the beach. Get your pre (and maybe even post) race fix with Pompei’s handmade casunziei all’ampezzana ($26) is a dish made up of crescent shaped pasta filled with sautéed beetroot in a butter, poppy seed & sage sauce.
Pompei’s, 126-130 Roscoe St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, 02 9365 1233
Otto Ristorante, Woolloomooloo
Laid out on the beautiful Woolloomooloo Wharf, a meal at Otto Ristorante is the perfect spot to laze about with your fellow athletes one final time before that mega race. Keep it simple yet decadent with their signature spaghetti, served with SA Goolwa pippes, calamari, garlic, chilli and bottarga.
Otto Ristorante, 8/6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, 02 9368 7488
Jamie’s Italian, Sydney
True to form, Jamie’s Italian adopted Jamie Oliver’s mission to serve healthy, hearty and wholesome food to the masses. And without ditching the flavour, that makes Jamie’s Italian the perfect spot to stuff yourself without the guilt. Jamie’s famous prawn linguine is infused with garlicky prawns with tomatoes, chilli, rocket and fennel and goes down a treat. For those looking for added carbohydrate kick, look no further than the epic chocolate brownie, served with proper chocolate sauce, salted caramel ice cream and caramelised amaretti popcorn.
Jamie’s Italian, 107 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, 02 8240 9000
Two Chaps, Marrickville
Hidden behind a roller door in Marrickville is this all day café come restaurant. From Thursday to Saturday, you can head to Two Chaps and dabble in their flavoursome dinner menu, which includes a mouth watering ravioli with pumpkin, basil and buffalo ricotta and sage burnt butter. You’ll want to leave room for dessert, with a decadent blood orange steamed pudding with torched meringue, and rosemary mascarpone available.
Two Chaps, 122 Chapel Street, Marrickville, NSW 2204
Il Baretto, Surry Hills
This exceedingly popular, no nonsense restaurant in Surry Hills knows good pasta. If you’re looking for guidance on the menu, take our advice and order the spaghetti alle vongole ($26). Simple flavours of lemon, garlic, chilli and pippis will make your heart sing, soul shine and your body as ready as can be for the big race.
Il Baretto, 496 Bourke Street, Surry Hills 2010, (02) 9361 6163
Intermezzo Italian Restaurant, Sydney
Intermezzo Italian Restaurant boasts the title as one of the best Italian spots in Sydney. Keeping it downright delicious, try the gnocchi con pomodoro e mozzarello di bufala, pillowy gnocchi with vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, baby basil, smoked mozzarella and topped off with fresh buffalo mozzarella ($34).
Intermezzo Italian Restaurant, Ground 1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, 02 9229 7788
Osteria di Russo & Russo, Enmore
Osteria di Russo & Russo is a cosy trattoria, inspired by true Italian heritage but presented in a modern way. Give their fresh saffron maltagliati pasta a try, which includes pipis, berlotti beans, salami XO and coastal greens ($34). It’s filled with all the carbs you’ll need to fire you through the City2Surf but in a tasty, creative way that’ll make you want to head back for more.
Osteria di Russo & Russo, 158 Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042, 02 8068 5202.
Buffalo Dining Club, Potts Point
While pasta ‘a la parmesan wheel’ is a dish found on many menus nowadays, the OG in Sydney’s pasta scene is undoubtedly Buffalo Dining Club. It’s a simple but effective concept – spaghetti, salt and pepper, parsley and black truffles, served out of a Sardinian truffled pecorino cheese wheel. If you haven’t yet tried it, book in a dinner date pre-race. You won’t be disappointed.
Buffalo Dining Club, 116 Surrey Street, Darlinghurst.
Society Pizza Bar, Bondi
Are you after a quick, no fuss bite to eat prior to the big morning? Look no further than Society Pizza Bar. With outposts at both Bondi Beach and Bondi Road, this pizzeria is famous for its Neapolitan style dough and classic topping combinations. If pasta is more your style, take your pick from the pasta of the week, penne bolognese or homemade tagliatelle. One thing is for certain, you’ll be properly fuelled come race day.
Society Pizza Bar Bondi Beach, 88/90 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach NSW
Society Pizzeria Di Cantina Bondi, 65 Bondi Road, Bondi NSW
Mangia e Bevi, Rose Bay
This menu is jam packed with old favourites and new dishes with modern twists. From wood fire pizza to creamy pastas and mouthwatering Nutella desserts, this friendly pizzeria has something for anyone, whether they be race-goer or race-observer. Try out their spaghetti marinara tossed with king prawns, calamari, octopus, garlic, chilli and napoletana sauce. Trust that these hearty meals will certainly be setting you up for the very nearby, very scary Heartbreak Hill.
Mangia e Bevi, 702 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, 02 9371 1555
After the race, why not cool down at one of Sydney’s Best Waterside Restaurants?