Josh Bozin
Whether you are an old school romantic or a stickler for Italian done the traditional way, Parlour Cucina will have you covered, as this new trattoria-style restaurant is serving up an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
Adding to the charm and mystique of Sydney’s beloved QT Hotel, Parlour Cucina, located entry-level of QT Sydney, is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh bowl of rigatoni ragu whilst sipping on a glass of Sangiovese from Montepulciano.
Formerly a café, Parlour Cucina will continue to serve the city its morning espresso by Little Marionette, but now boasts an Italian-inspired lunch and dinner menu to take you to aperitif hour and beyond, all in a brand new setting that Nonna would truly be proud of.
The Restaurant
Step inside Parlour Cucina and you’d think you’re in a scene from Goodfellas. With its arcade-like facade, the space is intimate, with the burnished bar centrepiece perfect for those looking for a smart-casual business lunch, or an after-hours ragù and pinot noir.
Led by QT Hotels & Resorts’ Creative Food Director Robert Marchetti, Parlour Cucina captures the free-spirited essence of the 1960’s Milan café era, with a side of QT’s famous quirk and creativity.
‘It’s the city’s neighbourhood Cafeteria serving nostalgic Italian fare with a flirtatious twist,” says Marchetti.
“We want people to embrace the old new world. From the cracked floors through to the wine cellar, heritage listed glass cabinets and old-school furnishings; Parlour Cucina is the new kid on the block with urbane attitude.”
The Menu
Embracing simplicity over superficiality, guests are immersed in a traditional Italian setting that welcomes menu favourites such as fresh Calamari Fritti and Carpaccio, Capri-style, with matched vino di tavola flowing from a curated yet informal list.
On any given day, you will find breakfast starts with a classic Italian espresso, paired with a menu of Panini Di Patate with truffled eggs, pancetta, asiago cheese and lemon spinach or a Spinach Pea Zucchini Frittata Wedge with a sunny side up egg and pickled chilli; buonisimo!
Lunch, dishes are heroed with simple, fresh ingredients that are passionately prepared and served with classic generosity.
Delight the tastebuds with a Beef Carpaccio and four cheese Arancini or a fresh Insalata Caprese followed by a six-hour slow roast lamb Rigatoni.
Aperitivo hour at Parlour Cucina is considered carefully, with QT Hotels’ Group Wine Director Chris Morrison curating a list of local wines inspired by Italian varieties.
“The wine list blends Italy and Australia with a focus on wines that are purpose-built for the simple and clean flavours of our menu,” says Morrison.
“We bring together winemakers who are the innovators and classicists with a fun, relaxed vibe. We want guests to feel like this is a ‘push button’ wine list; compact, easy to use, all killers and no fillers. It’s wine for today but with a touch of nostalgia.”
At Parlour Cucina, flavours evoke feeling; intentionally. Dishes showcase the beauty of Italian cooking that intends to bring people together.
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Parlour Cucina
49 Market St,
Sydney