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Italian Village

  Editorial Review

Editorial Review

From the piazza that stretches along the length of the Italian Village in the Rocks you come face to glorious face with two iconic Sydney landmarks - the Opera House across the waters of Circular Quay and the imposing Harbour Bridge above. Housed in a 19th century warehouse, the Italian Village offers a unique blend of historic, sandstone-clad Sydney and charming old-world Tuscany. The menu, painstakingly created by award-winning executive chef, Michael James, is a classy study in the flavours of contemporary northern Italy enhanced by top quality Australian produce.

Spanning three levels, the Italian Village seats 350 diners in the restaurant space on the ground floor, while the remaining levels play host to a beautiful and versatile collection of private dining rooms catering for between 15 to 120 people. Michael James' menu delights as much as the sophisticated decor of the restaurant and the astounding views through every window. Commence with freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters with a glass of bubbly, or sample the crab and potato cake in a pretzel crumb with saffron mayonnaise. The signature dish of hand-made gnocchi in a gorgonzola and walnut cream sauce has earned its reputation, though the char-grilled dry aged beef fillet rubbed in a special mix of herbs and spice comes in a close second. From an intimate dinner for two to a get-together for dozens, the Italian Village is bound to impress.

Amy Looker, June 2008