There’s a new Italian restaurant in Woolloomooloo, and this one throws class around like confetti. That and the food is delicious.
Vizio Caffe e Cucina opened its doors in August 2017, offering Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs a modern interpretation on Italian dining. And serving brunch, lunch and dinner, it’s a true triple threat.
A modern Italian restaurant
Vizio Caffe e Cucina is sophisticated and stylish. It’s beautifully fitted-out with concrete floors, pendant light fittings, black framed mirrors, wood panelling and plenty of plant life hanging from the ceiling. The bathrooms are even beautiful, which we all know is vitally important. The chic atmosphere is completed by Italian-inspired house music and bow-tied bartenders.
It terms of seating, the big-ish dining space has everything from bar and window stools to comfy booths and traditional wooden tables. But, no matter where you sit, you’ll get to enjoy the traditional warmth and friendliness of true Italian service.
If I’ve got my truth hat on, this Italian restaurant is located in a bit of an unatmospheric stretch of William Street. But, this is all forgotten once inside. That and it’s walking distance to the best of Darlinghurst and Paddington. (When husband Jude and I recently visited, we may have found ourselves afterwards downing a few cocktails at Shady Pines Saloon, Love Tilley Devine and This Must Be The Place. I highly recommend following suit).
The dinner menu is divine
If you like charcuterie and cheese, get your roller blades on and get over here because Vizio Caffe e Cucina do one impressive antipasto platter. With over a dozen meats and cheeses to choose from, you can create your own board to suit whatever mood you’re in. The meats and cheeses are complimented by little extras of homemade mini bread twigs, nuts and focaccia (which is dreamier than a shirtless Zac Effron).
Jude described the black truffle-infused, air-dried cured salami we enjoyed as, “A billion times better than Woolworths’s truffle salami”. While the smoked brie had, “A Rolls Royce smoothness to it”. I think he deserves a commission for that commentary. But, I have to agree, the ensemble was so good I’ve retired from all future charcuterie and cheese board making.
All the dishes at Vizio Caffe e Cucina are designed to be shared. So for mains we shared the tagliatelle al ragu with parmesan, and the raviolo of prawns, tomato water and dill oil. Both showstoppers, served with copper utensils. The pasta was also – no surprises – unbelievably fresh. (If I was inclined to homemade pasta-making I’d probably give that up at this point too).
There’s also a set ‘Nonna’s Menu’, where for $65pp (plus $55pp if you want matching wines) you can get an Italian feast, which seams like good value for money (in Sydney).
The drinks menu also impresses, arriving in its own little leather-like pouch. As you’d expect, there’s Italian coffee, wine and grappa on the drinks list, along with plenty of teas, juices, smoothies, beers (some Italian) and cocktails. I can highly recommend the grappa.
Vizio Caffe e Cucina is…
A little Italian gem – one that’s full of surprises
Vizio Caffe e Cucina | 52–58 William Street, Woolloomooloo, New South Wales
Phone: (02) 9358 2231
viziocc.com.au
