One of Sydney's Best Pizzerias Is Opening an All-Day Eatery in the CBD Next Month

It's just as unmistakably Italian, but Matteo Downtown, soon-to-launch sister venue to Matteo Double Bay, is worlds away from its laidback coastal counterpart.

For this second joint project, owners Adam Abrams, Orazio D'Elia and Eddie Levy are taking their cues from the Italy's buzzing urban destinations of Milan and Rome, in contrast to the relaxed coastal vibes of its Double Bay sister. In the CBD, expect a dynamic, all-day operation, that cruises from early morning espressos to late-night negronis.

Sydney design firm Acme & Co has shaped the Bond Street space to suit, complete with an intimate dining room, bustling open kitchen, sophisticated bar area and roomy al fresco terrace, primed for people-watching.

Head Chef D'Elia is tapping into his southern Italian roots, to deliver a menu that's steeped in tradition, yet executed with modern flair. In the morning, you'll find pastries and panino for the fly-by crowd, alongside a full breakfast offering of creations like Italian-style shakshuka.

From 11am through 11pm, you can nab something off the express menu, or head over to the dedicated mozzarella and antipasti bar, stocked daily with fresh cheese and house-cured meats. If you prefer to linger, head to the dining room, and do so over dishes like squid ink fregola, and osso bucco teamed with saffron risotto.

In true Italian style, Matteo Downtown will celebrate aperitivo hour wholeheartedly — from 4-6pm weekdays, drop by to team your after-work spritz or wine with a selection of complimentary snacks from the kitchen. The bar offering itself boats a hefty Italian contingent, with a carefully curated range of craft beers, spirits and small-batch liqueurs, all sourced from the homeland. A spritz selection changes with the seasons and the house wines are on tap, while a broad-ranging, 300-strong collection of bottled wines make a masterpiece of the dining room's back wall.

Find Matteo Downtown at 20 Bond Street, Sydney, from August.

Images: Kai Leishman