Dining at Machiavelli's last night brought back very many happy memories of dining at Romano's many years ago. Last night's experience was truly amazing with the quality of the fresh produce - the John Dory was cooked to perfection with the sides of creamed spinach and potato adding to the taste and presentation.
Service was excellent, white table cloths and silver service and accompanied by the ambience of photos of our poor modern day imitations of Machiavelli. The menu catered to all tastes and was wide in its coverage. One left captivated by the culinary and visual experience. Words don't get close to describing this place.
Service was excellent, white table cloths and silver service and accompanied by the ambience of photos of our poor modern day imitations of Machiavelli. The menu catered to all tastes and was wide in its coverage. One left captivated by the culinary and visual experience. Words don't get close to describing this place.
Services
She journeyed from Naples to Sydney with a suitcase of lessons learned from her mother in traditional Neapolitan cuisine. After 28 years at the helm of Machiavelli she sold the restaurant to Nicolae Bicher, an ex-Olympian who had previously dabbled in hospitality with a focus on International produce growing, hence his appreciation for fresh ingredients.
Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano Executive Chef, Laurent Cambon, was born in Limerick, Ireland to French parents. From an early age, Laurent showed a great interest in cooking and could often be found watching his Mother and Grandmother in the kitchen. Growing up, Laurent had extensive exposure to a variety of cuisines due to extensive travel around Europe, and his mother told him, "If you want to travel, become a chef".
2018 marks the 20th Anniversary of WORLD PASTA DAY. The event aims to maximise promotion of an extraordinary, good, healthy, nutritious, accessible and sustainable food, a pillar of the Mediterranean Diet, recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Our Head Chef Laurent Cambon joined 2GB's Chris Smith in the studio to discuss pasta, the restaurant and wine.
Reviews (23)
Alf Scaglione
Nov 29, 2021
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Alexis Howell
Nov 28, 2021
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Steve Grantham
Nov 22, 2021
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A lot of the reviews here mention the steak tartare and the algorithm will recognise this review merely for the mention of the dish. But not for what I'm about to say. That it's mince, that it's top side, that it's a dish I'm happy to have eaten once yes, but, sadly, I can't see why I'd eat it again. The waiter seasoned it at the table and it was all very fancy but I just can't help but feel it's inclusion on the menu is a bit dated, something like the menu Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie Chef insists upon. I recognise quality flavour though and the tagliatelle Machiavelli my wife had was
Darren Ray
Oct 23, 2021
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Thaer K.
Feb 24, 2021
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Foodblogs Food Blogs
Nov 12, 2019
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It was my first time visiting Machiavelli and I was beyond impressed.
This venue took my breath away as soon as I stepped into the room. Loved the elegant and sophisticated ambience.
From starters to mains to desserts, everything was absolutely top notch!
My favourite dishes:
Fresh blue mountain figs wrapped with San Daniele prosciutto served warm with gorgonzola and sage sauce. Distinctively delicious. A must try!
King fish carpaccio w/ extra virgin oil, lime, chilli, lemon dressing and pomegranate. Fresh, tangy and delicious!
Gnocchi Napoletana. Definitely the best gnocchi I’ve ever tasted
This venue took my breath away as soon as I stepped into the room. Loved the elegant and sophisticated ambience.
From starters to mains to desserts, everything was absolutely top notch!
My favourite dishes:
Fresh blue mountain figs wrapped with San Daniele prosciutto served warm with gorgonzola and sage sauce. Distinctively delicious. A must try!
King fish carpaccio w/ extra virgin oil, lime, chilli, lemon dressing and pomegranate. Fresh, tangy and delicious!
Gnocchi Napoletana. Definitely the best gnocchi I’ve ever tasted
Foodbloggeraustralia
Nov 10, 2019
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From the moment you walk into Machiavelli Ristorante you feel welcomed like a family member. This venue definitely ticks the boxes!
From the delicious entrees, to the beautiful mains to the decadent desserts, you will definitely enjoy mouthwatering bite!
Highly recommend and definitely rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the delicious entrees, to the beautiful mains to the decadent desserts, you will definitely enjoy mouthwatering bite!
Highly recommend and definitely rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Megan A.
Oct 19, 2019
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I never thought the best Italian food I'd ever have would be in Australia! Here in Sydney, on my honeymoon, from Texas.. we travel all the time and we always try the Italian food.. this is the best so far! Great service, very authentic, staff is all from Italy and very kind. Food was second to none in Australia! Must taste and experience, thought I was IN Italy
Ingy Dee
Oct 13, 2019
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Came here with a couple of girlfriends and the food did not disappoint .. we were too full for dessert so we will have to go back
The ambiance is great, it did get surprisingly busy on a Monday night.
They got a 4 star because the service was a little lacking. Our server was not very friendly and we had to hail a few of them down to finally get our bill. That was disappointing considering how much we enjoyed the meals
The ambiance is great, it did get surprisingly busy on a Monday night.
They got a 4 star because the service was a little lacking. Our server was not very friendly and we had to hail a few of them down to finally get our bill. That was disappointing considering how much we enjoyed the meals
Alexandra Lalaneats
Oct 05, 2019
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Highly recommend this venue for late lunch or dinner. The perfect spot for client meetups or dinner with the family. A lot of bussinessmen and women seem to dine here in their breaks.
The food is just incredible!
Every dish I tried I absolutely loved, so much so I can't pick favourites!
I did have a soft spot for the new menu item figs wrapped in Prosciutto in gorgonzola sauce & the Balmain Bugs 👌
I tried steak tartare for the first time here, and what a first experience it was! I even went back for seconds. The food here is super fresh, their seafood gets delivered twice a day it's so popular
The food is just incredible!
Every dish I tried I absolutely loved, so much so I can't pick favourites!
I did have a soft spot for the new menu item figs wrapped in Prosciutto in gorgonzola sauce & the Balmain Bugs 👌
I tried steak tartare for the first time here, and what a first experience it was! I even went back for seconds. The food here is super fresh, their seafood gets delivered twice a day it's so popular
Leigh C.
Oct 25, 2018
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One of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney. Somewhat hidden away downstairs on Clarence St. My feet know the way though.
Ah, the food.
I always go for whatever is listed under the fresh pasta page, although my companion went for steak tartare. Her favourite dish of long standing apparently. Equally awesome as the seafood ravioli.
The wine list is also stellar.
You can spend a fair bit here, or not, if you control yourself.
Ah, the food.
I always go for whatever is listed under the fresh pasta page, although my companion went for steak tartare. Her favourite dish of long standing apparently. Equally awesome as the seafood ravioli.
The wine list is also stellar.
You can spend a fair bit here, or not, if you control yourself.
Christie & Matt
Sep 18, 2018
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Machiavelli is located right in the heart of Sydney CBD just a short walk away from Wynard Station. Machiavelli is a fine dining traditional Italian restaurant with focus in finest produces, seafood and handpicked ingredients. All the dishes we had were singing on the plate with bold flavours, amazing techniques and perfect presentation. We were also on the look out for famous people but didn't have any success on a Tuesday night. Machiavelli is all about the customer so if you have any dietary requirements, special requests or wine pairing expertise, they will happily prepare this for you.
Loved
Loved
Miss L.
Dec 01, 2017
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Elliott M.
Oct 25, 2016
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We enjoyed a terrific meal here with great service. We split a salad to start and split the entrees as well - a Barramundi special that was very tasty, and the steak tartare, which had a hint of spiciness to it.
I initially was going to rate this restaurant 4 stars, but in thinking through our experience I really can't find any faults. The service was very attentive and our needs were constantly met, if not anticipated. The food was delicious and worth coming back for. Highly recommended.
I initially was going to rate this restaurant 4 stars, but in thinking through our experience I really can't find any faults. The service was very attentive and our needs were constantly met, if not anticipated. The food was delicious and worth coming back for. Highly recommended.
Dennis T.
Oct 25, 2016
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Because Diane and I are not fond of lamb or other traditional Australian food, I looked for more familiar fare in the cosmopolitan hub of Sydney--and scored big here for fine Italian fare.
We began with great blonde and perfectly seasoned Calamari Fritti that was served with a Caper Sauce reminiscent of Lemon Aioli, along with an order of crunchy Gamberi Fritti, large golden crumbed prawns sold by the piece. Crackling Italian Bread was also very good slathered with butter.
Homemade Chicken Soup featuring delicate vermicelli was tasty but almost devoid of chicken, and probably not worth the
We began with great blonde and perfectly seasoned Calamari Fritti that was served with a Caper Sauce reminiscent of Lemon Aioli, along with an order of crunchy Gamberi Fritti, large golden crumbed prawns sold by the piece. Crackling Italian Bread was also very good slathered with butter.
Homemade Chicken Soup featuring delicate vermicelli was tasty but almost devoid of chicken, and probably not worth the
Todd B.
May 31, 2016
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Christopher C.
Feb 18, 2016
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Ken U.
Sep 18, 2014
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This place just oozes 90s classic Italian. As you walk down to this hidden restaurant, you definitely feel the vibe of big deals or decisions were made in this place.
The waiters were just a blast, coming up with the wittiest comments in their Italian accents while taking our orders and serving us efficiently.
For starters, we ordered crumbed prawns, fried calamari, and a dozen oysters which were fresh and plump. The chef tonight was very generous with the servings, giving each person a large plate of fried calamari that was lightly coated and very tender.
For the mains, I went for the Steak
The waiters were just a blast, coming up with the wittiest comments in their Italian accents while taking our orders and serving us efficiently.
For starters, we ordered crumbed prawns, fried calamari, and a dozen oysters which were fresh and plump. The chef tonight was very generous with the servings, giving each person a large plate of fried calamari that was lightly coated and very tender.
For the mains, I went for the Steak
Anthony R.
Feb 07, 2014
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Not being from Sydney, I was ready to experience a business meal with a great deal of conversation and the food would not be a significant part of the evening.
When you walk into the restaurant, you are transported to a Italian eatery in NYC - the older waiters - Italian of course and the smell of fresh cooking in the air.
I was greeted at the door by one of the waiters who had told me he had been with the restaurant since the restaurant opened in the late 80's and offered me a drink while I waited for my guests. The single malt went down well as I watched the staff prepare the restaurant
When you walk into the restaurant, you are transported to a Italian eatery in NYC - the older waiters - Italian of course and the smell of fresh cooking in the air.
I was greeted at the door by one of the waiters who had told me he had been with the restaurant since the restaurant opened in the late 80's and offered me a drink while I waited for my guests. The single malt went down well as I watched the staff prepare the restaurant
C. W.
May 31, 2013
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Mark F.
Apr 28, 2013
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An absolute institution for Friday power lunches.
Lots of business folks wheeling and dealing, politicians, celebrities and sporting figures are a regular sight - I think I have seen Lisa Wilkinson every time I have been there for Friday lunch, sometimes with Fitz in tow, other times with other TV folks.
Anyhow, the ambience is old school italian, with an elderly gent in charge of the large central farm-house table that holds al the anti-pasti makings, all the waiters in black ties and white jackets, efficient, observant and italian!
Food is great - seriously, in terms of value for quality
Lots of business folks wheeling and dealing, politicians, celebrities and sporting figures are a regular sight - I think I have seen Lisa Wilkinson every time I have been there for Friday lunch, sometimes with Fitz in tow, other times with other TV folks.
Anyhow, the ambience is old school italian, with an elderly gent in charge of the large central farm-house table that holds al the anti-pasti makings, all the waiters in black ties and white jackets, efficient, observant and italian!
Food is great - seriously, in terms of value for quality
Ana S.
Nov 14, 2011
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You don't need to have read Machiavelli to come here but it won't hurt to look like, or, if I'm to be more helpful, actually be a prince. This Italian restaurant is a dungeon (and by that I mean it's one level below the street which you can access by walking down stairs) for monsters and dragons and good-looking princes and Miranda Priestly-type princesses and frogs to show off the fact that they're, in some circles at least, important. So if you're a tourist, a student, a housewife, a househusband, a granny, a tranny, if you're just ghastly, you smell or you
Tereza B.
Oct 29, 2011
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Im not sure what it is but everytime a male team member gets to choose the venue for farewell, birthday and baby celebration lunches we always seem to end up at Machiavelli's in Clarence Street.
I can appreciate it that it has a wonderful authentic italian feel to the restaurant as well as the staff and I do love the main table with the serrano, procuetto's etc hanging over it. But as it so proudly boasts when you dine here 'you mean business' not party! In any case everytime I come I like to see who is new amongst the photographs on the surrounding walls. This time I
I can appreciate it that it has a wonderful authentic italian feel to the restaurant as well as the staff and I do love the main table with the serrano, procuetto's etc hanging over it. But as it so proudly boasts when you dine here 'you mean business' not party! In any case everytime I come I like to see who is new amongst the photographs on the surrounding walls. This time I
