Long-term Paddington locals know the building at 47 Windsor Street well. For close to 40 years, the charming terrace was home to Lucio's, a beloved Italian restaurant and Sydney institution. It made sense that when it closed in 2021, another Italian restaurant took its place. That place is Civico 47, a warm neighbourhood diner which serves the flavours of Italy’s regions executed with beautiful Aussie produce. Leading the kitchen is executive chef Matteo Zamboni. Born in Serle in a small town in Lombardy, Zamboni brings two decades of experience to the kitchen, having worked at Ormeggio at the Spit, Pilu at Freshwater – where he was also head chef – and Jonah’s.
Menu highlights include crisp zucchini flowers filled with creamy ricotta and drizzled in sticky and sweet honey; ribbon-like mafalde studded with plump prawns and bok choy stems in a bright tomato and shellfish bisque; and crisp-skinned dry-aged duck paired with witlof and mandarin dressing. Be sure to leave room for the silky-smooth house-made fig-leaf gelato with candied figs, amaretti and aromatic rosemary – it's bellissimo.
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Fan of lobster and treating yourself? We are too. Currently, Civico 47 has a lunch special featuring half an Eastern Rock lobster with spaghetti twirled in a rich and luscious sauce for $85. It’s big enough to share between two, though we won’t blame you if you want to have it on your own. You will need to order ahead of time when you make your booking.
Want to further your wine knowledge in a fun, insightful and delicious way? Civico also hosts a monthly wine school, where sommelier Luke Collard deep-dives into the stellar wines produced throughout Italy’s regions. You learn about a new region each month, taste new and interesting drops, and enjoy a specially curated meal to go with the wine. Sounds like a fun day to us. It will cost you $285 per person – ideal for the flush wine connoisseurs among us – and bookings are limited (you can book here).
Civico’s cosy dining room features natural wood, earthy-coloured seats and cream-tiled floors. Vibrant, old-school Italian photographs dress the white walls – our favourite is of a long lunch overlooking beautiful Capri. When a flight to the Mediterranean isn’t on the cards, don a colourful scarf and come to 47 Windsor Street instead.