In Short: Take an Italian passeggiata at House Bar & Bistrot, the latest authentic Italian restaurant in Potts Point. Come for the expertly home-made and locally grown ingredients, crafted into incredible dishes on the ever-changing menu, that is sure to satisfy all your Italian food cravings.
Ah, Italy. Long, lazy summer afternoons, amazing food, good wine, friends, and families sharing meals, stories (somewhat exaggerated!), and laughter. These are the memories of my childhood, and of the countless trips I’ve made back to my family’s ancesetral home. So while I patiently await my lotto win, so that I can retire in a villa in Sardinia on la Costa Smeralda, I love discovering new places that feed my nostalgia and bring that little bit of Italy right to my doorstep.
So what an absolute treat it was to discover House Bar & Bistrot in Potts Point, run by the unpretentious and authentic, Chef Mauro. Now, I must confess, I am more familiar with the ‘old’ Kellett Street; you know, the one from many moons ago, when those townhouses and its surrounds were clubs and bars that opened at 10pm! But, I do love how the ever-changing face of The Cross has adapted, and now these back-alley dens are being converted into cool foodie and cafe establishments, like Frankie’s Beans, Society Di Catania, The Silly Tart, and Paper Bird, just to name a few. Now, you definitely must add House Bar & Bistrot to your list of must-go places!
This beautifully converted Victorian house has a rustic, trattoria feel. And, not only is the fit out warm and welcoming, but so is Chef Mauro and the lovely Amelie. It’s a perfect summer evening, and we’re seated in the best spot outside with the sun spilling over the patio. Some of our most memorable food experiences are when we’ve left the decision on what to eat in the hands of the Chef, and we were not disappointed when we did the same here.
Everything here is home-made, from the bread, to the pasta, and even the ice-cream! It is clear that Chef Mauro’s passion comes through with the freshest ingredients and his focus on local, sustainable produce, into dishes that delight the palate. While we wait for our mains, we try the home-made bread, with garlic infused olives, and oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. The warm bread has the perfect crunch in it’s crust, while being soft and airy on the inside and is the ideal match for the oil and olives.
A glass of 2017 Collector, Sangiovese Rose` arrives at the table with impeccable timing, as Steve and I discuss our next trip to Italy, as the first main arrives. The vegetarian spaghetti, a bowl filled to the brim with freshly made pasta, fills the air with aromas of beautifully ripe cherry tomatoes, spirals of organic zucchini, and zucchini flowers and tossed in the robust flavour of olive oil. Simple, tasty, perfect.
Next up are the Canederli, greens and cheese bread dumplings, served atop melted butter and encased in generous layers of shaved parmesean cheese. You know it’s good, when Steve and I are silent while we devour these delicious balls of goodness, and we fork-fight over the last dumpling!
We end this Italian ‘passeggiata’ as they all should end; with gelato, of course! A classic lemon sorbet and a coffee gelato are both delicious, creamy, and not overly sweet with the signature ingredients taking centre stage. Buonissimo!
This is italian food as I know it, and exactly as it should be. The best quality ingredients, made simply, and with love. Nothing fancy required here at House Bar & Bistrot, and with its constantly changing menu, that’s just the way we like it! Do yourself a favour, bring a date, a loved one, or the whole family, and taste a bit of the real Italy right here in Potts Point.
*Coco & Vine dined as guests of House Bar & Bistrot. All opinions, words and photos are our own.
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