Paski Vineria Popolare

Paski Vineria Popolare brings together three acclaimed Sydney hospitality mainstays for a two-storey bar and eatery with a love for wine. Italian wine importers Giorgio De Maria (Giorgio De Maria Fun Wines), Mattia Dicati (Vino Mito Wine Imports) and chef Enrico Tomelleri (Ragazzi, Alberto's Lounge, 10 William Street) are behind the Oxford Street spot that's found its home in the former digs of now-closed spritz bar This Must Be The Place.

Paski Vineria Popolare is named after both De Maria's beloved dog and the Italian meaning of Popolare ("of the people"). Running with that mantra, it looks to bring rare and different wines to Sydneysiders in a welcoming way.

Downstairs you'll find a 25-30 seat wine bar, with all wines available to enjoy on site or take home for a romantic evening in. Wine will be ordered by producer instead of style in order to spotlight the people behind these wines. Accompanying the extensive selection of wine is an array of pantry items and a reserved menu created by Tomelleri featuring charcuterie, cheeses, and small plates to enjoy with the wine of your choice.

Upstairs, there's a more hearty menu on offer with a focus on underrepresented Italian ingredients. Named Paski Sopra (translating to Paski Above), the 35-40 seat venue overlooks Oxford Street, pairing rare wines and a reserved Italian menu. All the snacks from downstairs are still available here, but if you're in need of a proper feed you can opt for the Pesce all'acqua pazza with mussels ($36) or the spaghetti al pomodoro ($25).

On the horizon are wine tasting events and a range of collaborations with nearby bars and restaurants. De Maria and Dicati have plans to host weekly wine tastings in Paski Sopra where they'll take guests through their favourite wines and connect Sydneysiders to some of their favourite Italian producers. And, with Cafe Freda's and Dimitri's Pizza both close by, and Fabbrica Pasta Shop's production space is a few doors down, they're also planning some exciting team-ups with their popular neighbouring venues.

'Paski Vineria Popolare' is one of our favourite spots for a drink. So much so that it features in our list of the 20 best bars Sydney has to offer. Browse the full list for all of the city's top watering holes.

Images: Nikki To

Updated Tuesday, March 21 2023.