A new passage to the Italian seaside has opened in Sydney Harbour. The acclaimed team behind the beloved Northern Beaches institution, Pilu at Freshwater, have unveiled their next chapter: Flaminia.
This new harbourside dining room in Circular Quay captures the authentic flavours, rituals, and rhythms of Italy’s enchanting port-side cities.
For over two decades, Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini have defined coastal dining at Pilu. Now, they are bringing their signature warmth and character to the heart of the city. Opening on Friday, 5 December, Flaminia represents a unique collaboration between the Pilu team and Table For, Accor’s innovative in-house food and beverage group. This new restaurant promises a journey from one iconic coastline to another, celebrating the tastes and traditions that travel with us.
A Story of Connection and Heritage
At its core, Flaminia is a story about connection—between people, place, and the food on their plates. The restaurant is named after the ship that carried the Pilu family from Italy to Sydney in 1959. This personal touch makes the restaurant a symbolic homage to a significant journey, paying tribute to the memories and flavours that have been passed down through generations.
Perched above the glistening waters of Circular Quay, Flaminia offers a narrative that flows across the harbour. It brings a deep respect for tradition and fresh produce into a more energetic, city-centric setting. While Pilu at Freshwater remains deeply rooted in Sardinian heritage, Flaminia presents a lighter, more playful expression of Italian seaside hospitality. It’s a place where quality dining meets a relaxed, approachable atmosphere.
A Taste of Italy’s Port Towns
The menu at Flaminia is a culinary map of Italy’s great port towns, from Cagliari and Naples to Venice, Genoa, and Palermo. A dedicated crudo bar serves as the anchor of the dining experience, offering freshly shucked oysters, delicate scallops, and the finest daily fish selections. From there, the menu expands into generous antipasti, rich seafood pastas, and timeless coastal classics.
Menu highlights showcase the depth of Italy’s coastal cuisine. Diners can enjoy Sardinian Piccolo Fritto Misto, a delightful mix of lightly fried seafood. Another standout is the Paccheri allo Scoglio, a pasta dish teeming with the treasures of the sea. True to Giovanni’s heritage, the menu also features Cagliari’s iconic slow-roasted suckling pig, a dish that embodies honest, flavourful cooking. To finish, the dolci follows a similar sun-soaked path, with treats like Crema Fritta and Pandolce Genovese.
Coastal Sips and Mediterranean Moments
The drinks list at Flaminia is crafted for everything from quick aperitivo moments to long, sunlit lunches that stretch into the evening. The wine selection traces Italy’s coastline from Liguria to Sicily, with a special focus on Sardinia and its native grape varieties. These sharp, detailed selections beautifully showcase coastal terroir and the innovation of modern Italian producers.
The cocktail list is just as inspiring, featuring creations that evoke the spirit of the sea. Try La Via della Seta from Venice, a drink that nods to Marco Polo’s historic journeys. From Genoa comes a creative Pesto Bloody Mary, while Cagliari is represented by a vibrant Mirto Rosso Sour. Each drink is designed to complement the food and the stunning harbourside views.
A Sun-Washed Mediterranean Escape
Designed by the acclaimed Studio Gram, the interiors of Flaminia reflect its coastal inspiration. A harbour-facing entrance leads into a sun-washed dining room filled with soft timber, textured stone, and tones reminiscent of the shoreline. The design feels both relaxed and refined, creating an unmistakably Mediterranean atmosphere.
A glowing central bar, curved banquettes, and sculptural lighting echo the gentle geometry of a ship’s interior. The space transforms with the natural light throughout the day, creating a dynamic yet calming environment. The result is a welcoming space that invites you to linger, relax, and soak in the vibrant energy. As Marilyn Annecchini explains, Flaminia is designed for spontaneity—a place where a spritz at the bar catches the harbour glimmer, a plate of crudo can be enjoyed before catching a ferry, or a seafood lunch drifts unhurriedly into the evening.
Visit Flaminia
Flaminia is more than just a new restaurant; it’s a celebration of bold flavours, honest cooking, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel at home. It marks an exciting new chapter for the Pilu team and a fantastic addition to Sydney’s dining scene.
Flaminia is now open.
- Location: Level 2, 61 Macquarie Street, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000 (Entry via Macquarie Street or Circular Quay)
- Website: www.flaminia.com.au
- Instagram: @flaminia_sydney
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 12pm – 2:30pm; 5pm – 10pm
- Saturday: 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 11pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm