Here’s a spot for sun-drenched lunches fuelled by white-peach Bellinis and bright antipasti. The glow of Otto’s egg lamps has long drawn Sydney’s glitterati, who flock here for the cashed-up marina vibe, snappy service and sensuous riffs on traditional Italian fare. There’s polish in Richard Ptacnik’s pasta offerings, as in twists of strozzapreti with juicy king prawns, robust chilli and a punchy calamari sauce, or black and white tagliolini dressed with garlic, chilli, scallops and cherry tomatoes. Seafood is also treated with finesse, be it braised octopus served atop a popping ensemble of fregola, roasted tomatoes and fennel, or a simple plate of well-seasoned barramundi, crisped in the pan and finished with a squeeze of lemon. There’s edge in the desserts, especially a tropical panna cotta with coconut milk and coconut ice-cream. Pair all of that with a Montalto pinot grigio from the Italian-Australian list and you’re living la dolce vita.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Food: ★
Wine: ★ ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
Otto Ristorante
The Wharf 6 Cowper Wharf Rd Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW
