BISTECCA

BISTECCA is an Italian steak restaurant and cocktail bar beneath Sydney’s CBD, combining a fireside cooking style with an old-world setting. The experience starts in a wood-panelled bar, where guests can settle at a stool or candle-lit table among amaro from around the world and a selection of Negronis. It is an adults-only venue, with all guests required to be over 18.

The restaurant’s focus is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a Florentine-style steak prepared from Riverine beef sourced in southern New South Wales. The meat is cut and weighed, shown to diners, then cooked over ironbark and charcoal on the open hearth. It is served medium-rare, rested and simply finished with salt, pepper and olive oil. The menu also includes Italian-leaning accompaniments and dishes such as bone marrow, pecorino with truffle honey, white beans, polenta with Taleggio, formaggio and tiramisu.

Inside, the intimate 50-seat dining room looks towards the butcher’s block and open hearth, giving the meal a strong sense of theatre without separating diners from the cooking. Beyond it is a bottle-lined enoteca, while the wine list focuses exclusively on Italian grape varieties sourced from Italy and Australia. Cocktails are a major part of the offering too, including the Bistecca Negroni and seasonal aperitivo-style drinks.

BISTECCA suits adults looking for a considered steak dinner, a cocktail-led evening or a distinctive Sydney CBD occasion. The semi-private Wine Room accommodates up to eight people, while the Cappelletti Room seats up to 14 for private lunch or dinner bookings. The main restaurant and private spaces can work for celebrations, meetings and group dining, although children are not permitted. Reservations are released online up to 30 days ahead, with new availability added daily.