With a focus on age-old Italian cuisine, the much-anticipated trattoria-style Bacco Osteria e Espresso has now opened in Sydney, fronted by Executive Chef Andrew Cibej and Head Chef Scott Williams, both whom are well known for their work at favourites like Ester and Berta. This is their first CBD venture as a team, positioned on the quality-packed Angel Place near Martin Place.
Freshly-baked panini and pastries sit along with handmade pasta and other dishes designed with locally-sourced produce, bringing life to this long-gestating restaurant which has been in the works for the past four years. It’ll bring diners a sense of traditional Italian hospitality in a space that’s been shaped by Anthony Gill Architects, the same who are responsible for the looks of Berta, Ester, Vini and 121BC. The interiors are defined by olive coloured banquets and wooden panels, presenting an earth, intimate aesthetic.
The attached espresso bar is the first to opened up, with the restaurant coming later this month. The front-window coffee destination is serving up bespoke blends from Little Marionette along with quick and casual eats like house-baked breads, pastries and panini alongside pizza (by the slice) and, by night, wine and aperitivo.
“We’re excited to finally be opening our first venue in the city”, beamed Cibej. “We wanted to create a place where city-goers can get quality Italian all day. A great coffee and panino to go, a relaxed mid-week lunch and regular dinner spot with food that’s simple and authentic”.
The sit-down restaurant will have a sharp focus on rustic Italian cuisine that’s been polished and refined with local produce. Williams plans on leading the kitchen in producing dishes like Strozzapreti with goat and guanviale ragu, Spaghetti Alla Chitarra with sea urchin, and even reproducing favourites like Nonna Cibej’s Gnocchi with pistachio and pecorino sauce. Antipasti will include dry-aged Lamb Tartare with whipped anchonvy and pasta fritta, as well as Smoked Swordfish with kohlrabi and apple. Fans of the meatier stuff can tuck into handmade and house-made sausages with flavours like Tuscan-style Pork and Pepper & Fennel served with a lentil salad. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to end with the house-baked Soft Ricotta Cheesecake.
Bacco will of course be presenting an extensive wine list curated by Clint Hillery, who is the Group Sommelier of the China Doll Group, and Cibej. Together they have managed to select over 70 local and imported wines, showcasing Italian and local NSW growers.
The espresso bar is now open for coffee and panino, while Osteria will open from the 29th May.
Bacco Osteria e Espresso
Address: 1 Angel Place, Sydney
Hours:
Espresso Bar: Mon-Fri 7am-late
Restaurant: Mon-Fri 12pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-12am
Images supplied.
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