From hearty pasta to easy sipping Chianti, there are many reasons we love Italian dining. Discover our favourite new Italian restaurants to open in Sydney!
Civico 47, Paddington
This restaurant has been introduced to Sydney within the original site of the former Italian institution, Lucio’s. The space has transformed into a modern European Oasis, perfect for long lunches, date nights and dining slow in good company. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Matteo Zamboni (Ormeggio, Pilu at Freshwater and Jonah’s). Born in a small town in northern Italy, Zamboni’s Italian heritage shines through each dish. Find out more here.
Gowings, CBD
Gowings Bar & Grill has been going steady since 1920, standing firmly on a foundation of heritage. Celebrity Chef Sean Connolly has taken on the challenge to revive the space and menu. Honing in on New York’s Little Italy for inspiration, the all-new menu showcases a simultaneously elegant and unpretentious offering alongside QT’s signature dose of punk and a tone of theatrics. Find out more here.
Da Orazio, Bondi
If you’re a Sydney-based foodie with a penchant for Italian fare and chic interiors, be sure to add the newly re-opened Da Orazio to your list of must-visit hot spots. Boasting a plethora of classic dishes, from the much-loved rotisserie porchetta with focaccia, fregola fruit di mare and antipasti Italiano plates, as well as woodfired pizza with all the trimmings, this is a date night home run. Find out more here.
L’uva, Martin Place
Situated in a quiet corner of the new 25 Martin Place precinct, L’uva emulates a relaxed Italian dining atmosphere offering sanctuary for the city workers. L’uva, meaning ‘grapes’ in Italian ensures you have more Italian vino to choose from than your heart could desire. Head Chef Joel Allen is in the kitchen bringing a modern interpretation of Italian cuisine to the plate. You’ll find charcuterie, fresh pasta, tiramisu and all the usual suspects. Find out more here.
Palle, Forest Lodge
Palle is the new food joint bringing the carefree Italian attitude to Sydney’s Inner West Tramsheds dining precinct. Palle offers diners meatballs in many ways – from the simple dishes, his mum made to innovative, modern meatballs such as salt cod and potato balls. Whilst balls are the focus, the menu also includes Italian snacks of baked olives, cured meats, zucchini flowers and sides of garlic and cheese bread, loaded fries and cabbage slaw salad. Find out more here.
Str’eats by Olio, Chippendale
Wander through Kensington Street, known for its Asian street food, and you may be surprised to see an authentic Italian eatery. But that’s exactly what you’ll find with Str’eats by Olio. This hidden gem is serving up authentic, homemade pasta dishes for incredible value (starting at $12 for a dish) through their tiny, cosy hole in the wall kitchen. Find out more here.
Bar Mammoni, CBD
From the team behind the Hinchcliff House transformation (Grana, Lana & Apollonia), Bar Mammoni is located in the new Quay Quarters Lane bringing the city workers somewhere to get a quick breakfast and settle in for lunch or aperitivo hour. As with all their venues, the theme follows an Italian root. Expect fresh pastries from Grana by morning and pizza by the splice and aperitivo cocktails by afternoon. Find out more here.
Giuls, Surry Hills
Situated amongst the main thoroughfare of Crown Street, Surry Hills, Giuls has a buzzy but relaxed vibe; the perfect tempo for laid-back dining. Whether you’re after a snack, share plates with drinks or a hearty pasta meal, Giuls has you covered offering per cominciare (pre-meal snacks such as olives, oysters or bread), antipasti (entrees) and pasta and primi (main meals). The menu is inspired by the Tuscany region that uses seasonal products, home-made pasta and fresh seafood. Find out more here.