LOCATIOND'albora Marina at the Spit Mosman on the western side of the Spit Bridge.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe restaurant equivalent of a romantic sunset – and the newest addition to The Spit – Ormeggio is all class, sparkle and breathtaking finish. A part of the D’albora Marina, this breezy restaurant welcomes guests with wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and muted tones of creams and whites that work to accentuate the shimmering water and the white yachts that bob at its doorstep. Guests also have the option of dining alfresco under the shade of an umbrella or the evening sky. Aside from its classy decor, Ormeggio has two other enviable assets – its owners, restaurant manager extraordinaire Fraser Guthrie and celebrated chef, Alessandro Pavoni. These gentlemen rule over a northern Italian menu that is particularly focused on the town of Brescia where Pavoni grew up. Expect a seasonal menu with spectacular antipasto involving ingredients like oysters, sardines and Wagyu. The
“primi” give you the option of tasting Pavoni’s famous risotto, while for mains you can sample Brescian-style pork involtini, Storo polenta and sauteed spinach or a blue eye cod fillet oven-roasted with olive crust and potato puree. For something a little different, on Fridays and Saturdays a traditional Brescian spit-roast features as a special (you can also organise this 24 hours prior to your visit on any other day). The wine list matches the experience with quite a few Italian drops mixing with the locals. And there are some fabulous cocktails to get your tastebuds in the mood or as an alternative if you can’t find space for a
pannacotta alle ciliegie (pannacotta of cherry and yoghurt with honeycomb) – although this is a sacrifice you should consider with care. And when you’re sipping your finishing cup of tea or coffee see if you can spot the other
“pavoni” (peacock). The magnificent bird has been an inspiration for some of the restaurant’s design features…
Agnes Gajewska
DETAILSNamed Ormeggio, which means berth or mooring in Italian, the newly rebuilt seaside restaurant, bar and take-away kiosk has just opened (November) just in time for the completion of improvements to Spit West Reserve, leading to The Spit Bridge. Alessandro, from Brescia, Italy, for the past four years has headed up a team of 30 chefs at the Park Hyatt’s HarbourKitchenBar. He is now bringing his renowned Northern Italian fare to the North Shore and within close reach of the Northern Beaches and surrounds. In announcing plans for his new restaurant, Alessandro says he is thrilled to be steering his own ship. The fully renovated restaurant has postcard views across The Spit waterway and Middle Harbour. Diners can kick back and wile away a weekend, watching boats sail in and out of the marina as the sun rises, sets or simply glistens in a seafarers wake. An intimate bar has been designed especially to take in the sea breeze, providing the perfect space for relaxing with a Pinot Grigio or a refreshing glass of sparkling Italian Franciacorta any afternoon, or for an after work get together.
KIOSK/TAKE AWAYOrmeggio also houses a fully serviced kiosk for casual take-away eating with picnic hampers, a selection of Panini and other gourmet delights and coffees for hungry boaters, walkers and picnickers lunching in the newly upgraded park running alongside the marina.
FUNCTIONSOrmeggio is a welcome new addition to The Spit and its surrounding locales. It is the perfect space for dining, parties, weddings, and private functions of all shapes and sizes; and a stunning new inclusion to Sydney’s hospitality offerings.
Tip:Arrive in style with
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