Pilu, a Sardinian fine diner overlooking the clear blue-green waves at Freshwater for more than 20 years, is one of Sydney’s best special-occasion restaurants. Now, owners Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini have opened a new waterfront restaurant called Flaminia – the couple’s first venture across the bridge. Except this time, it’s not overlooking the beach, but Sydney’s sparkling harbour.
Located on level two of the Pullman Quay Grand, perched over Circular Quay with its constant ebb and flow of boats and ferries, is a fitting spot for Flaminia – named after the ship that brought the Pilu family from Italy to Sydney in 1959. Inspired by Italy’s charming port-side cities, the new light-filled restaurant champions fresh seafood with a view.
Chef Pilu says: “At Flaminia, we’re celebrating the kind of food that has always connected people. The ports of Italy have their own rhythm – bold flavours, honest cooking and a hospitality that makes you linger. We wanted to bring that feeling to Sydney’s spectacular harbour.”
The menu draws on the flavours, produce and heritage of cities like Cagliari, Naples, Venice, Genoa and Palermo. At the heart of it is the crudo bar, lush with fresh oysters, scallops and fish – and even better enjoyed with crisp bubbles or a Spritz. Menu highlights include a Sardinian piccolo fritto misto with golden, fried seafood and a creamy bottarga-spiked mayo; paccheri allo scoglio, with the large tube-shaped pasta tossed through calamari, mussels, vongole, white fish and cherry tomatoes; and Cagliari’s slow-roasted suckling pig with roasted potatoes – similar to Pilu’s signature dish – feeding up to five guests (order ahead). For dessert, try the limoncello baba with whipped mascarpone or the crema fritta with fried custard cream, honey and candied orange.
The wine list showcases drops from Italy’s coastline, from Liguria to Sicily, with a spotlight on Sardinia. Inside, the space features a coastal palette with splashes of colour, natural materials and curved banquettes.
Marilyn Annecchini adds: “At Flaminia, we wanted to create a place people want to come back to often – relaxed, welcoming and full of life. Designed for spontaneity, it’s the kind of spot where a Spritz at the bar catches the harbour glimmer, a plate of crudo can be enjoyed before a ferry, or a seafood lunch drifts unhurried into the evening.
“Diners can expect a different experience to Pilu, with a more playful, approachable take on Italian hospitality, where quality comes without formality and every visit feels like a Mediterranean afternoon."
Flaminia is a joint venture between the Pilu team and Table For – Accor’s new in-house food and beverage group.
Find out more here.
Address: 61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
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