Overview
While the team behind laid-back Italian fine-diner Secolo bid arrivederci last year, the same crew has returned to the CBD with Tessuto, a nostalgic trattoria. Bringing Italian coffee specialties, stacked sandwiches, desserts, spritzes and more, this welcoming spot offers exciting takes on a host of classic combinations. Plus, terrazzo floors and timber panelling have given its 190-year-old home an authentic makeover.
Perfect for early morning feeds or afternoon drinks, Tessuto's custom-made marble bar is the ideal place to perch with a strong coffee or cocktail. There's no shortage of tempting options to consider, but the tiramisu iced latte made with layers of mascarpone cream, double espresso, cacao sprinkle and Savoiardi biscotti will certainly satisfy any sweet tooth. Meanwhile, the Dirty Sicilian, a single shot of espresso served with Italian hot chocolate, is a one-two flavour punch.
The Italian inventions keep coming, with the Picciriddu another highlight. This drink is a single espresso shot served with milk froth, pistachio cream and a decadent pistachio crumb rim. With the name meaning 'little boy' in Italian and inspired by a small Sicilian island renowned for its pistachios, Tessuto's co-owner and barista Salvatore Messina grew up amid this scenic spot, using the landscape to inform his creative menu.
The food menu is similarly inventive, with head chef Mattia Senesi returning to the Tessuto kitchen with more than a few creative ideas. If you're heading along for breakfast, check out options like blue swimmer crab omelette, carbonara scrambled eggs and a sumptuous spread featuring soft-boiled eggs, avocado, fresh tomato and ricotta. Lunch extends into antipasti, house-made pastas, steak mains and, of course, a myriad of fresh focaccias like prosciutto with mozzarella, fresh tomato and house-made basil pesto.
"Office workers don't tend to have a lot of time to stop for lunch during the week, but that doesn't mean they should have to sacrifice on quality and taste," says Senesi. "Our dishes are perfect for whether you're looking for a quick lunch to break up the day, or something more leisurely, where you can really savour the experience."
There's also the chance to make your work lunch or weekend hang a little more indulgent with a booze lineup primed for a good time. Alongside a selection of Italian spritzes – Venetian, Disaronno and Limoncello – there are also iconic cocktails like Americano and Amaretto sours. Meanwhile, a rotating collection of Italian and Australian drops are poured by the glass, carafe and bottle.
While this charming eatery has a forward-thinking approach to its Italian cuisine, it also pays homage to the history of its location. This spot was home to a bustling textile importer in the 1800s, specialising in fine soft goods like silks and cotton. With Tessuto translating to fabric in Italian, naming the venue was the ideal opportunity to honour the enduring memories made between these walls.
"Every venue we've ever had has been located somewhere that has its own story to tell," says co-owner Tanja Arienzale. "It's something that's really important to us and particularly with the length of time this property has been around, we wanted to honour it."
Tessuto is open Monday–Friday from 7am–4pm and Saturday from 8am–2pm at 32-34 York St, Sydney. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Steven Woodburn