Fontana


What is it? A good-times-only, Italian-leaning restaurant where vinegar, olive oil and salt are celebrated like gods, the party-starting wines are flowing, and you’ll already be thinking about your next visit before you’ve even tapped your card.
Why we love it: It’s easy to miss Fontana – but after one lunch or dinner here, you won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. Found upstairs on Redfern Street – in the former home of Ron's Upstairs – this fun-loving space hums with happy Sydneysiders tucking into soft, house-made ricotta, prosciutto draped over crisp gnocco fritto, and hearty oxtail ragù. We love the attention-demanding white lampshades, the groovy pink floral mural as soon as you walk in, and how we feel when we're here: like pigs in mud.
Time Out tip: You gotta order the garlic bread. It comes hot out of the oven and oozes with sweet, velvet-like garlic and melted butter. It’s ridiculously good, only $5 – and don’t even think about sharing one.
Address: Level 1/133A Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016
Expect to pay: Snacks $5–$25; pastas around $32, plus drinks