Fratelli Fresh Family Open Exchange Restaurant in Darlinghurst

Two members of the Fratelli empire have teamed up to open a brand new restaurant and bar in Darlinghurst. Housed in the Exchange Hotel and known as Exchange Restaurant and Bar, the venue specialises in — you guessed it — fresh, authentic Italian food, as well as excellent wines.

The restaurateur behind the eatery is Nina Gravelis, daughter of Fratelli's founders and a former student of Luke Mangan, Neil Perry and Christine Manfield. Taking care of the kitchen is Sean Corkery, who spent eight years as Fratelli's executive chef. He's nabbed two hats — the first at Cafe Sopra in 2012 and the second at Fratelli Bridge Street in 2014.

Among the menu's light bites you'll find white and brown anchovy bruschetta and wood fired crumbed oysters. Come lunch or dinner, you'll be tucking into wood-fired pizzas, delivered straight to your plate from a traditional oven imported from Italy, as well as a variety of salads, pastas and mains. Standouts include prawn and celery salad with chilli dressing; risotto with lobster, mushroom and caramelised leek; and one-kilo bistecca (beef steak) with potatoes, salsa verde and salad. There's no need to go hungry, ever, as food is served from midday until midnight, seven days a week.

Preface your meal with a classic or nostri cocktail, and find quality matches for your choices among the outstanding wine list and beers on tap.

Exchange Restaurant and Bar is at 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. It's open 7 days a week, from midday till midnight. Food is available from midday till 10pm.