Italian and Brazilian cuisine isn’t a common pairing in Sydney, but Pan Divino is here to show Surry Hills it works beautifully.
Anthony Whitehouse, the owner of Create Catering, has just unveiled his latest venture Pan Divino in Surry Hills. This exciting new restaurant is a collaboration with Executive Chef Stefano Mondonico, the Hatted chef from Canberra’s renowned Pialligo Estate. With Create Catering already serving high-profile clients like David Jones and Cricket Victoria, Whitehouse is now bringing his expertise to Sydney, offering a fresh take on dining by blending Chef Stefano’s Italian and Brazilian heritage.
Set in a beautifully restored heritage-listed building, Pan Divino combines modern flair with the charm of its 1912 origins, keeping original features intact while adding eclectic touches. The 75-seat restaurant is divided into three inviting spaces: a picturesque courtyard, a dedicated crudo bar, and a stylish main dining area. It’s the perfect spot to relax on a sunny afternoon or enjoy an evening out in Surry Hills.
Leading the kitchen is Chef Stefano, who brings 17 years of experience to Pan Divino, including his time at Sydney’s Gowlings. Joining him is Head Chef Adam Bryce, with Restaurant Manager Gregoire Gamand overseeing front-of-house operations. True to Mondonico’s philosophy of “less is more,” the seasonal menu at Pan Divino highlights elemental flavours, flame, smoke, and salt, with a particular focus on seafood. Drawing on his Brazilian roots, Stefano sources high-quality proteins and seafood from top suppliers, with standout dishes like the in-house cured salted blue-eye trevalla, which takes two weeks to perfect.
The courtyard features a unique crudo bar where guests can enjoy fresh Sydney rock oysters and a selection of expertly crafted crudo dishes. Pan Divino also serves daily handmade pasta, with seasonal favorites such as spaghetti with prawns and bottarga, and gnocchi with short rib ragu.
The drinks menu, curated by award-winning sommelier Royston Lau, is just as impressive. Working with small-batch importers, Lau has handpicked a wine list that showcases regional diversity, offering guests the chance to explore exceptional vintages. Signature cocktails, like the Martini Divino featuring Vermouth Bianco infused with lime peel and pineapple, add a refreshing twist to the classics.
Pan Divino is open Wednesdays from 5 to 9:30pm., and Thursdays through Saturdays from 12 to 9:30pm., with the bar staying open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information or to book your table, click here.
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