Sotto Sopra is Newport's New Trattoria from the Trio Behind Ormeggio at The Spit

The masters of contemporary Italian fare behind Ormeggio at The Spit are at it again, choosing Sydney's northern beaches for their new 49-seat venture, Sotto Sopra. After launching on February 9, the Newport trattoria sees acclaimed Ormeggio partners, Alessandro Pavoni, Victor Moya, and Bill Drakopoulos, joined by Roman-born chef Mattia Rossi, who's fresh from a stint heading up the kitchen at Chiosco.

While the team has hinted at a more relaxed vibe this time around, fans of Ormeggio will know to expect a healthy dose of creative flair and a few well-executed surprises, regardless.

Sotto Sopro is Italian for 'upside-down', and proves a fitting name given the menu, which sees traditional Italian flavours enjoy some clever, rather unexpected treatments. Taking pride of place in the kitchen is an imported woodfire oven, where dishes like cacciucco pie and slow-cooked, Roman-style porchetta will channel the cooking that Pavoni grew up with back in Italy, albeit crafted on top Aussie produce.

Both a 16-seat, custom-made, communal feasting table and two share menu options ($69 & $79 per person) are bound to get a solid workout, heralding many a long, lazy lunch to come. Think mouth-watering stuzzichini, broccoli and honey bug orecchiette, and house-made tiramisu, alongside an affordable line-up of Italian wine varietals.

Find Sotto Sopra at The Palms G04/316-324 Barrenjoey Road, Newport. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.