The Restaurant Pendolino

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The Strand Arcade must be one of Sydney's most beautiful locations - it's like Holly Golightly's Tiffany's: nothing could ever go wrong there. The Restaurant Pendolino is situated at one far end of the Arcade on the second floor. No matter the time or the weather, it is perpetually enveloped in a gently-shimmering, moody darkness. It is not a place for loud and boisterous celebrations, for every conversation seems to take place in a lowly-buzzing semi-whisper. What the Restaurant Pendolino provides, in its discreet, quiet way, is a slice of the old world.  

Signature Tasting Plate

The delightful mouthfuls are hard to describe in a way that does them justice, but I will try my best. The little roll closest to the diner contains a whipped salmon mousse that is so light it is like eating air. The tartine is but a mouthful, but beautifully balanced in both texture and flavour. The lavoche is so light and thin it is but a whisper, complimenting the basil and cashew pesto; and the watermelon-based palate cleanser is refreshing, tart and the perfect appetite-awakener. 

Testun di Barolo Alba Beef Carpaccio

The key to a good beef carpaccio is, of course, the quality of the beef used. The beef chosen by Pendolino is a Cape Grim Free Range Tasmanian Beef, which is tender and met-in-the-mouth. It is  served with walnut puree, aged cow's milk Testun di Barolo cheese, Siena Morbidi Truffled Pecorino Dolce, finished with some red sorrel cress and a drizzle of the 2019 Pendolino Fruttato Allegro EVOO olive oil. 

King Prawn & Stracciatella Fried Zucchini Flowers

The zucchini flower used is beautifully fresh and young, wonderfully tender with a gentle sweetness. The king prawn is firm and fresh, and the onion cream is like nothing I have ever tasted before: delicate, soft, smooth, and flavourful. A drizzle of the 2020 Pendolino Dolce EVOO olive oil finishes the dish. 

Cappelli del Vescovo

Pendolino is known for its artisan pasta, and here we have a bishop's hat pasta with Suffolk lamb and tomato ragu, black olives, herbs, broccolini and Sardinian Pecorino. Silky smooth and al dente, this pasta is delicate rather than filling - satisfying in a different way.

White Rocks Veal Tournedos

Words cannot do this dish justice. The meat is so soft, with a slight stickiness from melting tendons, and the flavours are balanced and superb. 

Olive Oil Tasting Plate

The meal begins with an olive oil tasting plate and house-baked bread. One could really taste the difference in each olive oil - all beautiful, delicate and fragrant. One, in particular, had a strong lemon essence that was quite delightful. Like wine, the olive oil at Pendolino are marked by year of production.

Apart from the stunning food, Pedolino boasts an impressive wine list - there are some truly rare and lovely drops. 

Score: 5/5 
Cost: $125pp for three courses (featured) / $145 for four courses / $195pp for signature six course degustation 
Address: Shop 100/412-414 George St, Sydney

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