This is a huge call, but we’re willing to make it. The best Italian restaurant in Sydney is Casa Mia Osteria in Newtown. We’ve tried a lot of them, but this intimate joint at the end of King St has blown us away with it’s authentic Roman dishes and delicious Italian wines.
Casa Mia translates to “at home”, and that’s exactly how you feel entering their doors. The team are the epitome of generous Italian hospitality and make thoughtful recommendations. Casa Mia Osteria is the personal project of two friends who have known each other from back in Italy, Andrea Nazzari (from Tetsuya’s, Rockpool Bar & Grill, and Baccomato Osteria) and Valerio Boncompagni (previously executive chef at Baccomato Osteria).
Boncompagni cooks everything in-house including the sourdough, focaccia and salumi. After learning how to make salumi from his uncle during his childhood in Toscana, he developed a passion for cured meat that he marinates with nearly 15 different herbs and spices and of course with no addition of preservatives. Depending on the days, you may taste Pancetta, Wagyu bresaola, capocollo, Lamb prosciutto, finocchiona, mortadella, nduja (a spicy pork spread), guanciale (pig cheek), and more. You’ll get something new every time you dine and in true Roman style, nothing is wasted, so come with an open mind.
One of their best items on the menu has to be the wood-fired pinsa Romana (Roman pizza), which are cooked in the traditional way and more oval in shape. The dough is made from three types of flour and rested and risen over 72 hours, giving it a fluffy, tangy, almost sourdough crust. There are a range of toppings, but you can never go wrong with a Margherita. We also recommend the Nduja pinsa if you like your spice!
If pizza isn’t enough to get you over the line, Casa Mia Osteria has the best Carbonara we’ve EVER had. An article of hills to die on, but we dined with an Italian and he said it was better than his Nonno’s (scandal). You won’t find any shortcuts in this pasta dish, it uses all the best ingredients, including homemade guanciale, egg yolk and pecorino cheese. Since you’re here you should also try the braised octopus with red wine, potato and leek velouté. It’s rare to see octopus and potato but trust us, it works. Extra points if you dip your focaccia in!
Casa Mia Osteria has shot to the top of our list of favourite restaurants, and we hope you all get the chance to try it too. It’s exciting to see an Italian restaurant leaning into it’s regional roots rather than catering to the more popular Italian tastes (although we will still never say no to a garlic and oregano loaded anything).
Open for dinner Monday – Saturday and lunch on Saturday, Casa Mia also hosts: