We are always on the lookout for food trends; the poboys, celeb burgers (we’ve eaten them all), cronuts, poke…and now it’s all about the all day to evening hang out. Are we becoming lazy? Or do we just want a great spot where they know how we drink our Little Marionette coffee, pick up a house made pastry, make our work pals jealous, then return for lunch, then dinner? You are a local, you are known and you are treated like royalty. We have to call out the service here – it is a real standout.
Say hello to Bacco. Set on the quiet end of Angel place. It’s contemporary classic design imbued with accents of industrial charm – from European wood paneling to olive coloured banquets and spray concrete ceilings.
Executive Chef Andrew Cibej and Head Chef Scott Williams (both Vini, 121BC, Berta and Ester) know Italian hospitality. Sit down to a bowl of Sicilian olives and chunks of pecorino. The bread baked in house every day, is worth the visit alone (thanks to 121BC sourdough starter). The rule-breaking mussel bruschetta is a tumble of smoky char, pickles and juicy Spring Bay mussels from Tasmania; and will have you wondering why tomatoes and basil have traditionally had all the fun. Potato, olive and prosciutto crochette are wicked, not only for their flavour, but because they arrive in three’s. Who gets the last one? Next it’s onto the Primi. Andrew’s nonna would simply shrug with a compliment this big (it’s her family recipe), Desiree potatoes, low on flour, high on love, we are calling it early – a touch of pistacchio and pecorino will have you smitten. It’s one of the best we have had.
Secondi’s are the main event, but it’s hard for things to get much better; braised lamb neck in a meaty jus, flecked with Brussel sprouts and barley, then the fish of the day pan seared with radish and fennel. Sides will almost make you want to ignore your mains. Our pick – ridiculously addictive roasted dutch cream potatoes with nduja followed by grilled cipollini. If you need to amp up the green factor, opt for ricotta and beans.
Pair it all with an Italian led wine list such as a Pinot Grigio ‘Mon Gris’ or a Sangiovese from Chianti. It’s really not worth going home, just curl up on the banquet and you’ll be first in line for breakfast in a few hours!
Bacco
1 Angel Place, Sydney
Opening Hours: Espresso Bar Monday Friday – 7am until late
Restaurant 12pm – 10pm weeknights and 12pm – 12am on Saturday (Sunday closed).
