If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian there’s really only one suburb to go to. Leichhardt is definitely the Little Italy of Sydney. So it makes sense that a new Italian restaurant open there… but at the same time it’s also perplexing when you consider how saturated with carbs the area already is. That’s why if you’re going to move in, you need to bring something unique to the table.
Capriccio Osteria & Bar is the newest Italian restaurant in Leichhardt and you won’t find a single pizza on their menu. With a community as tight as the Italians, they know better than to go stepping on anyone’s toes. Instead the menu has all your favourite Italian flavours, but with a creative twist.
Think savoury cannoli filled with pate, pork sausage sliders and a deconstructed parmigiana with eggplant, tomato, buffalo mozzarella and parmesan sponge. It’s a menu meant for sharing and over-indulging. One of their standout dishes? Their house made focaccia. Seriously, it’s worth a visit for this salty, rosemary infused bread alone.
On their lunch menu the hero is the spelt open panini sandwiches. They’re cooked to order in the big wood-fired oven and you can only get them until 5pm every day so plan your cravings accordingly.
To wash all your food down, the drinks menu is full of obscure lesser-known Italian wines, Italian cocktails like Negroni Sbagliato and Campari Spritz and non-alcoholic options like limonata with lime and bitters, fresh orange juice and San Pellegrino fruit drinks.
Capriccio Osteria & Bar is the first restaurant by third generation restaurateurs Matteo Galletto and Michele Rispoli. Matteo is the son of iconic Sydney restaurateur Lucio Galletto of Lucio’s Italian Restaurant in Paddington. Italian food is in their blood. Running the open kitchen is head chef Bryan Gerlini (ex A Tavola).
Sundays are special at Capriccio. In true Italian style they like to take things slow with a looong lunch. The six course sharing menu is $59 and is available from midday to 9pm when the kitchen closes and you have no choice but to roll yourself home, full and content.
Capriccio Osteria & Bar
159 Norton St, Leichhardt
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday midday til late, Sunday midday – 9pm
(02) 9572 7607
Official website
