Tessuto: Secolo Owners’ New CBD Trattoria
Tessuto – a new retro Italian trattoria – has just opened its doors in Sydney’s CBD and is serving up carbonara scrambled eggs, Dirty Sicilian espressos, tiramisu iced lattes, freshly-made focaccias and limoncello spritzes.
From the same owners of popular CBD restaurant Secolo, Tessuto marks a much-awaited return to the city for Anthony, Tanja and Robert Arienzale, as well as head chef Mattia Senesi and barista Salvatore Messina.
Timber panelling and terrazzo flooring reminiscent of Italy’s bustling eateries have brought a lively feel to the ground floor of the refurbished, 190-year-old building on York St. Tessuto, which means fabric in Italian, pays homage to the history of the building that was once home to Australia’s largest importer of silks, cottons and other textiles.
Perch at the custom-made marble bar for your regular hit of caffeine, or try one of Tessuto’s specialties, like the tiramisu iced latte made with layers of mascarpone cream, double espresso, milk, cacao sprinkle and savoiardi biscotti, or the Dirty Sicilian, a single shot of espresso served with Italian hot chocolate.
For something a little more elegant, you’ve got to try the amazing Picciriddu – a single espresso with milk froth, pistachio cream and a delicious pistachio crumb rim. The Picciriddu, which means little boy in Italian, was inspired by the small island of Sicily – known for its pistachios – where the barista grew up. The deep, roasted essence of espresso is beautifully balanced with the nutty allure of pistachios – it’s so good, you’ll be wanting two!
To accompany your morning coffee, there are plenty of scrumptious breakfast options including a Blue Swimmer crab omelette, a Breakfast Plate of soft boiled eggs, avocado, fresh tomato and ricotta, as well as modern dishes like Roasted Eggplant Bruschetta and its signature Carbonara Scrambled Eggs. The morning take on the iconic Roman pasta dish is made with crispy pancetta, shaved pecorino and cracked black pepper, and served with sourdough.
Other breakfast offerings include the Maple Granola with coconut yoghurt & seasonal fruit, tasty Fruit Loaf with whipped ricotta & honey, Spicy Scrambled Eggs on sourdough with ‘Nduja & chive ricotta and our top pick, the Traditional Italian Bruschetta with two poached eggs. The delightfully crispy tomato-based bruschetta is drool-worthy as is or you can add a side of avocado or mushrooms to give it that extra oomph. Super delectable!
For lunch, there’s an extensive selection of antipasti, including tartare di tonno, polpette (meatballs) and beetroot carpaccio, housemade pastas, mains like steak and fish, and desserts. Then there are the freshly-made focaccias. Available from the custom-made, street-facing counter, they include prosciutto with mozzarella, fresh tomato and house-made basil pesto, mortadella with ricotta, olives, rocket and aioli, caprese and an Australian classic chicken schnitzel. Each dish has been designed so it can be just as easily enjoyed dining in, or takeaway.
To wash it all down, the booze list features a range of spritzes, perfect for Friday lunch, including Venetian, Disaronno and Limoncello, as well as Americano and Amaretto Sour cocktails. There is also a rotating wine list featuring Italian and Australian drops that are available by the glass, carafe and bottle, with prosecco, white, rosé and red all on offer.
Tessuto is a great new addition to Sydney’s CBD and is not only an ideal spot for a morning coffee and chat, but also a place where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch or kick back over a few wines or cocktails. With its delicious food and drink offerings, friendly staff and convenient CBD location, it’s the perfect place to start your day.
Tessuto: 32-34 York St, Sydney
Open Monday to Friday (7am to 4pm)
More info: www.tessuto.sydney