Country Meets City at Cucina di Lusso
Cucina di Lusso brings all the charm of the country to inner city Sydney.
This Italian restaurant is the Sydney arm of di Lusso Estate, a winery based in Mudgee. The kitchen utilises the winery’s exquisite wine and fresh produce, which includes olives, olive oils, and figs.
Like many country establishments, Cucina di Lusso is a family affair. Robert Fairall is the owner and sommelier, son James is the head chef, and daughter Jo is the barista and front-of-house manager.
The family is influenced by the traditional cucina alto borghese style of cooking. While it was popular with the Italian upper class, it is not pretentious fine dining. Instead, you will find the menu to be simple, utilising the best seasonal produce.
The dining experience begins with warm green Sicilian olives marinated in a blend of di Lusso Estate’s extra virgin olive oil, citrus, and herbs.
Degustation menus are the order of the day: the antipasto menus for light eaters and the “Tasting Italy” selections for those looking for a hearty meal. All menus change seasonally, but you can expect to enjoy handmade pastas, vegetables, fish, and meat dishes. Meals are also available a la carte.
The restaurant’s Italian food is a perfect match for di Lusso Estate’s wines. The estate produces the largest range of Italian varietals in the country, including pinot grigio, vermentino, sangiovese, and nebbiolo. Many of these wines will be unfamiliar to Sydneysiders, but the wine suggestions on the menu take away the guesswork.
Unfortunately it does tend a to get a little noisy, so if you’re looking for a quiet romantic evening perhaps you should visit on a weeknight.
Italian restaurants are dime a dozen in Sydney, but the Fairell family’s enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to authentic cuisine make Cucina di Lusso something special.
Trading hours: Open 7 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays and Sundays 7 am to 9:30 pm Wednesday to Saturday
Location: University Hall
Address: Corner Glebe Point Road and Parramatta Road, Glebe
Public transport: Several buses stop at Parramatta Road including the #412, #435, #440, #480, #370, and #352
Parking: There are parking stations in the Broadway Shopping Centre and at nearby Grose Street
Cost: Tasting plates start at $30, entrees are $15, and mains are $29
Website: http://cucina.dilusso.com.au/
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POSTED IN: Food & Beverage
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