Chef Nino Zocalli knows a thing or two about pasta – he has an entire room above his restaurant, Pendolino, dedicated to making it. He’s also a bit of a guru on the subject of olive oil, too. You might say that it’s this kind of focus that breeds perfection.

So when he opens a bar and bistro dedicated to pizza and good wine, you know it’s going to be a tad better than ‘good’.

The other side of the Italian coin to Pendolino, the more casual bistro digs occupies the opposite end of the same Strand Arcade floor, opening this week. Handsome dark wood panels and industrial finishes make for one damn good-looking Italian, and let’s be honest, who can resist that?

Featuring plenty of authentic Italian salumi (made according to Nino’s strict specifications), vino and bar snacks as well as plenty of cosy corners to take it all in, this little gem is another in a line of great food destinations putting the CBD back on the map for those who love good food. And the pizza? Its thin, doughy base would make any Neapolitan proud, and the toppings are judiciously applied: A study in tasty, authentic simplicity.

La Rosa bar and pizza
193 Pitt Street, Shop 133 Level 2, The Strand Arcade 
Sydney, 2000
T: 02 9223 1674