With Quay booked out until mid January, Mr. Taste surprised me with dinner reservations at Pendolino for my birthday late last year. This one-hatted restaurant nestled at the top of the Strand Arcade feels like Sydney’s own little piece of Europe. It’s almost like you’ve stumbled in from an unmarked alleyway in Venice.
Pendolino turns your assumptions about Italian food on its head. Dark, elegant and mysterious, Pendolino is a delightful find in this city’s crowded (and sometimes monotonous) gastronomic scene.
The menu at Pendolino is not available through the website – and some of their best dishes are not listed at all, but are instead offered as a daily special. Chef Nino Zoccali (ex Otto) has a skillful command over flavours: the dishes are rich and layered with an element of surprise. This could have something to do with the extensive range of extra virgin olive oils that are at the centre of Pendolino’s dishes.
Carpaccio of Hiramasa Kingfish, Rocket Cress, Baby Chard, Sicilian Capers, Red Radishes - $22
We start with a Kingfish Cappacio, an old favourite that never fails to impress. The kingfish is sweet to taste while the capers and rocket cress add an intriguing bitterness. I’m normally used to some sort of citrus with this dish, but with Pendolino’s rendition, I really don’t miss it at all.
Squid ink ravioli with baby scallops - $26 (entree size)
When our waiter was reciting the specials for the night, the word ‘squid ink ravioli’ piqued my interest. Sure, I’ve had squid ink noodles, but never in a pasta. This dish turned out to be the standout of the evening and really made my night. The ravioli was stuffed with feta and baby scallops and sat in a sea urchin and clam reduction. The texture of the ravioli was beautiful, wafer thin and yet with lot’s of bite. This had to be one of the most successful uses of squid ink that I’ve ever seen.
Risotto Milanese - $21 (entree size)
I was so captivated by my ravioli, I hardly touched Mr. Taste’s Milanese Risotto.
Slow-Roasted Fennel and Rosemary Scented Pork Belly with white bean and potato puree, Fennel and Orange salad and Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil - $37
Our shared main of pork belly was an interesting dish. I couldn’t fault the pork belly, it was cooked to perfection and the white bean and potato puree was an enjoyable complement. But I was a bit thrown by the use of citrus in this dish and in particular, the blood orange extra virgin olive oil (which I actually loved with the complimentary bread).
Passionfruit Trio - Sorbet, Jelly and Panna Cotta - $16
Although I was ready to pass out, we found it hard to pass up the dessert special, a passionfruit trio comprising of sorbet, jelly and panna cotta. Individually, the components were nice, but when combined, the flavours really came together. The sorbet was no doubt my favourite of the three.
A big thank you for Mr. Taste for spoiling me with this wonderful meal.
Pendolino
Shop 100, Level 2, The Strand Arcade
412-414 George Street, Sydney 2000
02 9231 6117
www.pendolino.com.au
Open for lunch Monday to Friday from 12pm – 3pm and dinner Monday to Saturday from 6pm until late.
Related Posts
13 comments
I had squid ink pasta the first time recently – fettucini
Loved Pendolino when we dined there six months ago. Their different olive oils are great and the pumpkin lasagne was sublime! It is rather dark in there though.
i wondered what the food was like inside. only have eaten at the cheaper cafe outside. the pork belly does look very impressive
I’m so taken by the sound of the pasta. Can just imagine the contrast of colours of the filling with the squid ink ravioli ‘skins’ and that beautiful coral sauce!
I’ve often wondered what the food was like here. It looks quite good, especially the squid ink ravioli
I loved Pendolino when I visited it but unfortunately I didn’t get to try their desserts. The passionfruit trio looks delightful! Looks like a great way to celebrate your birthday
Should try buzo if you liked pendolino, much better and cheaper as well.
I went back to Pendolino for dessert last week. Anyone who’s thinking of going should definitely order the semifreddo!
Pendolino’s is the best Italian restaurant in Sydney – hands down! Have you tried their parpadelle with ragu and roasted bone marrow? It’s the most heavenly dish!
i’m seriously considering Pendolino for an early Valentine’s dinner with the mister. what do you think – good idea?
[...] The highlight of the entree round was my crab consommé. There were so many great flavours happening on in this dish – pops of sweet corn, fresh coriander, pockets of crab meat – all of which were tied together nicely with the consommé broth (which tastes remarkably familiar to pho). I haven’t been this excited about a dish since the squid ink ravioli at Pendolino! [...]
[...] Pendolino, Sydney CBD [...]
Nice photos, the Panna Cotta looks delicious.