Italian wine importers Giorgio De Maria and Mattia Dicati teamed up with chef Enrico Tomelleri (Ragazzi, Alberto’s Lounge, 10 William Street) to bring this brilliant wine bar to Darlinghurst in 2021.
Longstanding Bondi favourite Da Orazio underwent a big refurb back in 2022, creating a new bar, Orazietto, next door while they were at it. In summer, take a seat on the quiet laneway with a spritz in hand and antipasto platters all round.
Two months after the much-loved Ron’s Upstairs turned its fairy lights off for the last time in 2022, Fontana opened in its place. Gone are the playful plastic vines and colourful wallpaper, while the red carpet and parquetry flooring from Ron’s remains.
Paddington’s Italian eatery Barbetta wears many hats, including a daytime cafe, gourmet smallgoods store and date-night diner. The venue on Elizabeth Street is also a space where you can learn to make perfectly pillowy gnocchi or crispy arancini.
For more than 20 years, Il Baretto served up its pappardelle with duck ragu and just the right amount of hipster charm on Bourke Street. After shutting up shop during the pandemic, thankfully it reopened in the Paddo Inn not long after.
The Love Tilly Group has been championing small bars for years now via the tiny Love, Tilly Devine and Redfern’s vermouth and snack bar La Salut. The group has outgrown these settings with one of its most ambitious spaces: the 120-seat Palazzo Salato.
Owners and hospo legends Elvis Abrahanowicz, Ben Milgate and Joseph Valore (Bodega X Wyno, Bodega 1904) recently opened Bastardo trattoria within the new ‘Porteño dining precinct’ that now boasts five of the team’s own venues.
Looking for a cause for celebration? Passeggiata is the place for you. Spearheaded by former 10 William Street chef and ex-Sagra owner Nigel Ward, this ambitious Italian restaurant is decked out in a bright summery yellow facade.
Sydney is doing the time warp again. The latest blast from the past is a 70s-inspired enoteca from the folks behind Restaurant Hubert, Frankie’s and Shady Pines Saloon.
City workers, theatre-goers and general pasta-lovers should all have this romantic Italian spot at the very top of their Sydney hit list. Ragazzi comes from the duo behind Love, Tilly Devine and Dear Sainte Éloise.