Bar Totti's

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The original Totti's is in Bondi - an area of Sydney I do not frequent, but I had heard great things about it. When I noticed the renovation sign coming up next door to Bar Topa in the Ivy precinct in CBD, I was pretty excited to try its CBD sister, Bar Totti's. The CBD location is surprisingly big - unlike the hole-in-the-wall, intimate Bar Topa, Totti's CBD is divided into two sections: a casual bar area and a sit-down restaurant area. 

We made a last-minute decision to have a look on Friday night - the place, as one would expect, was bustling, but we were lucky enough to go at the right time and were able to nab a seat in the bar area. 

We ordered a couple of dishes to accompany our drinks, and unexpectedly walked out with full stomachs.  I am already planning a second visit so that I can try a couple more things from its bar menu, and a third visit where I can have a sit-down meal. 

Wood fired bread, $11
Served impressively puffed, you'd think this is a thin crisp-bread - but no, this is some chewy, dense, filling goodness. Delicious both piping hot and when slightly cooled, this bread is a must-order because it will help all the lovely paste-y stuff on the menu go down a treat. 

'Nduja, $8
Speaking of delicious paste-y stuff, this is perhaps the best value item on the menu - 'nduja is an Italian sausage spread that is packed full of flavour: salty and spicy, it is perfect when paired with that wood fired bread. 

Kingfish sashimi, $14
Delicious though it is, I wouldn't go to Totti's for sashimi. The green tomato is fresh, the fish of high quality and mild-flavoured, but I didn't think this dish was particularly special. Stick with the typical bar-food if one is at the bar, I say. 

Flava bean, $8
This was not what we expected when we ordered flava bean - but it certainly went down a treat. These crunchy, flavourful nibbles are exactly the type of bar-snack that gets washed down with a spritz or two. The only down side is the price - a bit steep for a snack which might be complimentary in other bars in Sydney, no? 

Chicken liver parfait, $9
And we are back in the land of good value. The liver parfait is smooth, creamy, and just like the 'nduja, excellent accompaniment for the bread. It has a silky, fatty texture that is oh-so-delicious. Definitely a must-order. 

Overall, I think there is an art to ordering at Totti's. Unlike Bar Topa, where one could close one's eyes and order absolutely anything and everything on the menu to satisfaction, one must have a discerning eye at Totti's. 

Once we find those gems, Totti's is a hell of a place to have an after-work tipple. 

Score: 4/5
Price: around $50 pp 
Address: 330 George Street, Sydney NSW

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