Palazzo Salato

Right on Clarence Street—inside a breathtaking heritage-listed space—Palazzo Salato channels the buzzing, beautiful energy of a true Roman trattoria. Sydney’s pasta purists pack the dining room well past 9 PM, chasing hand-rolled mafaldine and pesto gnocchi that consistently land perfectly al dente. It’s a masterclass in comforting, produce-driven Italian. Start with delicate snapper crudo or a plate of creamy stracciatella draped with Cantabrian anchovies and fragrant EVOO. Sustainably sourced Aussie proteins—think juicy sirloins paired with kombu butter—anchor the secondi, while an 800-strong cellar of low-intervention Italian, French, and local pours keeps the walk-in bar electric. Polished yet fiercely energetic. Snag a reservation if you can—those in the loop know walking in blind is a massive gamble.