The seasoned hospo trio behind Sydney CBD favourites Clam Bar, the Taylor Swift-endorsed Pellegrino 2000 and Bistro 916 (now sadly closed) have created a love letter to Northern Italian cuisine with their latest venture. Carved into the sandstone foundation of sister venue Clam Bar, Neptune's Grotto heroes comforting regional specialities in an intimate New York-inspired setting. Neptune's Grotto has taken over the former digs of Grotta Capri, an Italian seafood restaurant known for its delightfully corny, ocean-themed decor and sixty years of old-school hospitality. Paying homage to the address' heritage and its nautical aesthetic, the dining space – once covered floor-to-ceiling in oyster shells – has been transformed into an intimate subterranean oasis with a statue of Neptune presiding over his domain at its centre. New York-style booths and judicious lighting strike a balance between the underwater theatrics and the elegance of Northern Italian cuisine, maintaining a warm and inviting appeal with an undercurrent of whimsy. [caption id="attachment_944247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson[/caption] As with their other Sydney venues, chefs Mikey Clift and Dan Pepperell are adding contemporary flourishes to Northern Italian classics for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Unlike Pellegrino 2000's more relaxed trattoria-style cuisine, the pair's new menu delights in more high-end handmade pasta dishes like stuffed tortellini, while incorporating classic dishes from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Likewise, Andy Tyson is breaking out his sommelier skills to bring visitors a passionately curated drinks list starring gems of the Northern Italian regions. Tyson has pulled together an exciting collection of wines from quintessential producers of the Barolo and other regions, coupled with a bevy of champagnes and creative updates on classic cocktails. [caption id="attachment_910199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pasta at Pellegrino 2000[/caption]
