Flaminia, Sydney.

When the airfares are too much in this current climate, escape to Mediterranean Italy via 61 Macquarie Street Sydney.

Most days, you walk into a space where the ceilings are exposed and polished in one colour, adding to the less is more approach. Flaminia does the opposite, just enough detail to transport you to ports around Italy. I’m pretty sure, and don’t quote me on it, that the top floor resembles the side of a boat.. so when you’re looking up the curvature reminds you of being out to sea..

Well considered natural stone elements throughout, including light washed greens and draped light features, incredible attention to detail.

The menu, carefully curated, takes you from the North to the South of Italy. Following a coastline of famous ports (including the Pilu’s family natural roots) in Sardinia Cagliari, Sicily Palermo, Naples Campania, Liguria Genova, and Veneto Venezia.

Must try dishes:

Insalata di Polpo - Fremantle Octopus Salad, potato, olives, capers & green beans

Baccala Mantecato - Whipped salt cod & toasted sourdough

Acciughe - White anchovies & lemon

Spaghetti Alla Bottarga - Spanner crab, lemon myrtle & Pilu Bottarga

Ravioli Di Magro - filled with ricotta & Asiago cheese, mint and zucchini

via Flaminia Sydney

I think what I love more than anything, is that it was named after the ship that brought the Pilu family over in 1959.