With waterfront views, friendly Italian hospitality and authentic Italian flavours, a slice of Italy has just landed in Woolloomooloo.
The most impressive dining experiences are those that can transport you to another place or time. The ones that bring back your fondest travelling memories and seem to slow down time. One memory we’re always eager to revisit is alfresco dining on the Italian coastline, taking in southern Italian fare and a waterfront vista. Il Pontile in Woolloomooloo took us right back there with sparkling wharf views, friendly Italian hospitality and authentic Italian flavours.
Il Pontile, meaning ‘the pier’ in Italian, is nestled on the Finger Wharf, Sydney’s most adored waterside dining precinct. Bang Architects led the design and interior renovation aiming for Italian sophistication with beautiful archways, tan leather seating, wooden tabletops and natural decor with pops of colour from original landscape artworks. Diners can choose from charming alfresco or indoor seating, while upstairs offers a private dining room to host intimate celebrations.
Mario Percuoco has partnered with Audacia Enterprises as the Head Chef of Il Pontile. Bringing four generations of Italian culinary techniques to the table, the team is honoured to have him on board for a series of hospitality projects launching throughout Sydney.
With origins from Naples, it has always been Percioco’s dream to open a wharf front restaurant and showcase the food he grew up with. The menu showcases fare from across Italy’s different regions with a strong focus on fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Starter highlights include Jumbo Scampi with Percioco’s seasonal garnish, Burrata con Nettarine e Nocciole (burrata with peach and hazelnuts) and Anguria e Caprino (watermelon with molasses and goats cheese). While larger dish highlights include Spaghetti alla Nerano (thick spaghetti in a zucchini emulsion with Provolone cheese and zucchini flowers) and Rigatoni alla Genovese (traditional Neapolitan recipe of rigatoni with slow-cooked meat ragu). Passion and attention to detail are what sets Percioco’s menu apart from your run of the mill Italian restaurant.
The open style kitchen allows you to watch chefs in their element, especially if you pull up a seat at the chef’s table. This brand new experience to Finger Wharf was designed for smaller groups who enjoy having all their whims catered to. Sit back and relax as Percuoco brings out a parade of dishes chosen and prepared by himself.
Another highlight downstairs is the impressive glass cellar drawing your eyes to the middle of the restaurant. The team import wines from all over Italy and France, and source drops from Australia’s best winemakers. The list is approachable with many options available by the glass and some bottles reaching four figures for special occasions. It’s clear there’s no better place for Aperitivo this summer!
Il Pontile is open Monday to Sunday for lunch from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, and for dinner from 5:30pm till late. Continuous service is offered on request with a bar menu available from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
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