FineDiner’s posterous

Pendolino - Sydney

A restaurant on the second floor of a shopping arcade? The strand arcade? In the centre of the city? Why would anyone go? But once you do - you will definately go back...really great Italian restaurant. It was really dark but great atmosphere with candles and dim lights. Great staff and the sommelier was really nice. Very friendly and well informed and sold us two great Italian wines. (the wine list is expensive though) The food was awesome. The place is also known for its olive oils. You start the night with tasting of three of their top olive oils and each dish is cooked with a different one from Italy or Australia. They even have their dining room walls lined with bottles of oils and do an olive oil degustation night....

Carpaccio of kingfish, rocket cress, baby chard, capers and radish

Vialone Nano Saffron Risotto with Dried Pork, Fennel and Garlic Sausage

Traditional handmade Ravioli with Spinach, Parmigiano Reggiano, Gruyere, Buffalo Mozzarella and organic burnt butter and sage. (This was sooo good - we licked the butter off the plate!)

Char grilled Quail with Mediterranean herbs, slow cooked thyme and garlic potatoes, sautéed spinach with quail and dried black olive sauce (2008 Kailis Extra Virgin olive oil - Pemberton WA)

Char-grilled pasture-fed Beef Sirloin Fillet, Pearl Barley and Oxtail Risotto and Pearl Onions (2008 Oakfield Extra Virgin olive oil Mudgee NSW)

Slow-Roasted saddle of farmed White Rabbit with Prosciutto, Potato Puree, Silverbeet and Baby Carrots (2008 NSW Agrumato Limone extra virgin olive oil)