Pellegrino 2000

Less than a year after Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson opened their Potts Point neo-bistro Bistrot 916, the trio chased it with Pellegrino 2000, their Italian stallion in the corner terrace formerly occupied by lauded Sydney diner, Bar H.

Pepperell’s knack for taking classic dishes and putting his own spin on them – a signature in his past roles at Restaurant Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge and 10 William St – is again on display here. The burrata, rigatoni bolognese and fritto misto are Italian staples you'll recognise. But try the luxurious prawn ravioli in brown butter-and-sage sauce, and you’ll see why Pellegrino became one of Sydney’s hottest restaurants seemingly overnight.

On Tyson’s wine list are mainly Italian drops, but there’s a scattering of Australians, too. Before or after wine, do be tempted by a cocktail. As with the food, the focus is on Italian classics, each with a little something extra. There’s also a big collection of Italian amari and grappas.

Taking inspiration from Italian garage-style trattorias, the entire restaurant is decorated with framed vintage photographs, packets of pasta, bottles of olive oil and fresh tomatoes, and fitted it out with a warm palette of gold, burnt orange and red.

A neon light reading “2000” leads you downstairs to a moody wine cellar that doubles as an intimate candlelit dining room. In the buzzy upstairs space are brown-leather banquettes, big picture windows, and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. On a warm evening, the hot ticket is to nab a stool on the footpath, at a window counter that faces inside to the bar.