A brand new Italian dining experience has just opened up in the CBD, and it’s fair to say, we like it, a LOT.
You may have already visited Lot.1 Sydney; the venue has been partially operating as an espresso bar on York Street since the end of last year. The team has since unveiled the adjoining space as the main restaurant, and the result is an exciting new destination for foodies and cocktail lovers.
The venue itself is impressive; opulent lighting provides the backdrop for the striking interior. Beautifully crafted woodwork sweeps and winds its way up and around each wall in smooth swirls, contrasting with the exposed brickwork and original features of the heritage building.
High-end but unpretentious, Lot.1 to us felt very ‘London’ circa late 90’s, and adds an injection of colour and character to the CBD. On this particular rainy Tuesday evening the place was buzzing, funk and soul soundtrack give the place a cool, upbeat ambience. The kitchen is being headed by Adelaide chef Adam Swanson, who has created a menu of traditional Italian dishes using local, seasonal ingredients with a refined modern twist. Dishes are served on share plates akin to tapas, all of which have been designed to mix and match, and we got to try a selection that are certain to be crowd pleasers.
Burrata Affumicata
Sharing between two of us, we started with Burratta Affumicata. A real showstopper this one and my first experience of a Burrata, which is an Italian cheese made of buffalo mozzarella and cream. The base of the cheese is dusted with dehydrated carrot and leek that is chargrilled with a blowtorch, adding a delicate smokiness to the creaminess of the gooey burrata once it is burst.
The Fregola with scampi on prawn could almost be described as an Italian-style paella, with tiny gems of pasta that has a cous-cous like texture, but much smoother. Beautiful flavours, rich and buttery. Perhaps not the most aesthetic dish but great flavours, mash up the prawn into the pasta and devour.
Beefcheeks- Chianti- Carrot- Raddichio
The Beefcheeks with Chianti and chard leaf has a real autumnal feel to it both in flavour and colour. The tender beef cheeks simply melt in your mouth, and warm deep flavours of the Chianti worked perfectly. Mop these flavours up with a side of garlic potato confit and you’re on to a winner.
Leaving a little room for dessert we enjoyed an Adam & Eve, inspired by the mini toffee apples, toasted brioche and there was even a hidden secret snake hidden amongst all the goodies.
The main restaurant currently seats around 60 comfortably and there is private dining available on a mezzanine level with a rather impressive wine wall. We also got a sneak preview of the space downstairs which is in the process of being transformed in to a lounge bar area and an intimate live music venue- something we can’t wait to see.
If you are after a quick bite, the Espresso Bar offers a more casual setting for those after a quick bite to eat. You can pop in for an organic chicken 3 bean salad or a freshly made Vedura Panini with smoked eggplant chips, ricotta and fresh basil.
From 5-6:30pm daily, Lot.1 Sydney will also be host to, in their words “the best aperitivo this side of Milan”. The bar areas will be laden with Italian nibbles for your complimentary grazing as you sip on one of their Banana Aperol Spritzes, Negroni’s or their selected speciality cocktails.
The service was impeccable, and with a menu just as delicious we would recommend as a great spot to impress for business lunches, group dining or maybe a first date! Definitely one to watch, and looking forward to seeing what the next ‘Lot’ will has in store for us.
4/5 Stars
WHAT: Lot.1 Sydney
WHERE: 18 – 20 York Street, Sydney 2000
WHEN: Lunchtimes Mon – Fri 12 noon til 3pm, Dinner Mon – Sat 5.30pm til late
WEB: lot1sydney.com.au
FOLLOW: @Lot1Sydney #SydneysNewestAddiction
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