Housed in a heritage-listed corner terrace that’s painted a Tuscan-sun yellow on Crown Street, Pan Divino is turning on the Italian charm in Surry Hills. Serving Italian fare with just a hint of Brazilian flavour, this 75-seater is already causing a stir among the locals.
Good thing, then, that Pan Divino has three different seating areas. Start at the bar where sommelier Royston Lau (ex-Monster in Canberra) has curated a killer wine list featuring more than 50 bottles from Italy and beyond, and where you can enjoy a cheeky afternoon aperitivo. Or settle in for a leisurely lunch or dinner in the main dining area where crisp white tablecloths, bentwood chairs and art-lined walls set the mood. But, if you ask us, we’re heading straight for the courtyard crudo bar to enjoy the fresh seafood. And, yes, there’s even a DJ to keep the good times rolling.
At the helm is executive chef Stefano Mondonico, (ex-Gowings) who’s bringing serious cred to the kitchen. Joining him is head chef Adam Bryce (ex-Doyles and North Bondi Fish) and restaurant manager Gregoire Gamand (ex-Paddo Inn and North Bondi Fish).
Inspired by his Brazilian roots, chef Mondonico’s menu centres around flame, smoke and salt – with a strong predilection towards seafood. Take the salted blue-eye trevalla, for instance. It’s salt-cured in-house for a week, then dry-aged for another, and is a nod to the fishing adventures Mondonico shared with his dad growing up in Brazil.
Continuing the seafood theme, the courtyard crudo bar is where the action unfolds. Think Sydney rock oysters shucked to order, and yellowfin tuna, snapper or silver trevally all sliced and served right in front of you.
And let’s not forget the pasta. Handmade daily, you can choose from the deceptively simple but comforting pappardelle cacio e pepe, the spaghetti prawns topped with briny bottarga, or the gnocchi short rib ragu. Hankering for a hunk of meat? The show-stopping bistecca fiorentina, a whopping 1.5 kg T-bone steak, is calling your name.
Open for lunch and dinner, Pan Divino promises a slice of Italy with a hint of Brazilian flair right here in Sydney and we can’t wait to see what it serves up next.
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