Café and olive oil store by day and restaurant and wine bar by night, Pendolino swings. Smack bang in the heart of the CBD, it's a great alternative to the mega-pubs and clubs on George Street. There are two areas you can make yourself at home in here. The first is the café area featuring a skinny bar that looks right over the Strand Arcade. It's a great view, straight down the barrel of a Victorian train station with all those levels of wrought iron and beautiful tiling. The second is the olive oil area where the walls are lined with a huge range of oils both Australian and Italian, and a big sturdy communal table that would be ideal for a big group.
By the glass you could start with Champagne or prosecco or have a cocktail. Their list, though modest, has some interesting drinks on it such as the Aqua Pazza (gin, triple sec, limoncello, rockmelon, orange blossom and mint) and there's always the Scroppino Verde (prosecco, lemon and green apple sorbet, vodka and milk). They can also make just about anything off the list, too. The wine list is Italian influenced but there's plenty of Australian gear on there too with a nice range of rieslings and chardonnays as well as some more interesting Italian-style reds like the Alpine Valley Barbera. They also have a separate wine list for organic and biodynamic wines including a shiraz from Krinklewood.
There's a nice vibe to this place and it's quite easy place to lose track of time in its dark, sumptuous surrounds.
