Overview
After bidding farewell to Balmain residents late in 2023, Fabbrica Pasta Bar has reopened in iconic Sydney digs. Taking over A Tavola's previous site, the beloved Italian joint now slings its famed cacio e pepe and minimal-intervention wines from two levels of a renowned Darlinghurst locale.
Situated on Victoria Street, the brainchild of Love Tilly Group's Matthew Swieboda, Scott McComas-Williams and Nathanial Hatwell plans to carry on the legacy of the address by dishing up its crowd-pleasing sourdough loaves, handmade pasta and top vino selection.
"Pasta in Sydney owes so much to where it is now because of A Tavola," said Swieboda. "We're not trying to replicate what they did, but instead continue doing what Fabbrica does best: our freshly made Fabbrica pasta, cacio e pepe, cotoletta and wine from our favourite minimal-intervention Italian producers."
Open from Monday, April 15, the restaurant's familiar favourites are all on offer, such as the mafaldine with 'nduja and prawns; the coveted blue swimmer crab and chilli tonnarelli; ricotta and mozzarella-stuffed zucchini flowers with hot honey; and the popular cotoletta alla Milanese, McComas-Williams' Italian take on the classic pub schnitzel.
Plus, there's also new dishes exclusive to the Darlinghurst site, including a nebbiolo-braised beef short rib paired with cauliflower and gremolata.
As for the vino, Fabbrica's wine list — curated by Swieboda — stars tipples of the biodynamic and organic varieties, as well as Italian-imported and Australian-grown sips.
The site itself has been revamped by Studio Vista architect Sarah Watt to reflect the style of its new occupants, complete with Fabbrica's recognisable blue and cream colour palette, soft white curtains and textured walls — as also found at its moodier sibling locales Palazzo Salato and Ragazzi Wine and Pasta. The venue also pays homage to its original owners, however, with A Tavola's streetside communal table remaining an integral piece of the location's decor.
Find Fabbrica Pasta Bar at 348 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst — open from 5–9.30pm Monday–Thursday, 12–10pm Friday–Saturday and 12–9pm Sunday.
Images: Trent van der Jagt for Buffet Digital.