Back in my ACP journalism days Bambini Trust was our go-to spot for coffee, lunch and a quick escape from the hustle of magazine life. Later, when I was studying for my WSET certification, a friend and I would often end the evening there – sharing one more glass of wine and a big bowl of pasta.

A true Sydney institution for nearly 30 years, this beloved restaurant is housed in the historic sandstone St. James Trust Building. Bambini is the restaurant you choose when you want to impress. With its old-world European ambiance, it exudes elegance – soft lighting, giant crystal chandeliers, marble accents, gilt mirrors, and rich wood paneling create an atmosphere that feels timeless. Personally, I prefer to dine inside among the opulent interiors. However, the venue also offers a few charming tables just beyond the French doors, on the outside terrace.

While you might think it’s the perfect spot for people-watching, it’s actually the other way around. Those in the know understand that this is the place to see and be seen — passersby can’t help but glance inside, curious to catch a glimpse of who’s dining at this refined address.

The crowd has people curious but, it’s the food that draws them back to Bambini. The menu, which changes with the seasons, offers a tempting array of dishes, and it’s the pasta that always calls to me. On my last visit, I savoured the Triangoli Ravioli filled with artichoke and mascarpone, draped in a luscious lemon sage butter. My friend opted for a classic: Casarecce with duck sausage, Pecorino Romano, and a bright orange gremolata. Craving more than pasta? Then order a substantial main such as the Spatchcock alla Saltimbocca, the Riverina grass fed beef eye fillet or the New Zealand line-caught snapper fillet with Kinkawooka mussels. And make sure you save room for dolce – the decadent Valrhona chocolate cake as been a menu staple for good reason.

With a selection of over 300 wines from both Australia and Europe, Bambini’s menu is a wine-lovers delight. The sophisticated by-the-glass list features 30 wines, including three exceptional Coravin options. For those who want to explore beyond a single glass but aren’t ready to commit to a full bottle, the half-bottle section provides the perfect solution. I selected a glass of the 2020 Pelissero Langhe Nebbiolo from Piemonte, Italy. Typical of Nebbiolo, this wine presents bold aromas of ripe red berries and a dash of spice, leading to a youthful palate with refined minerality and finishing with silky tannins.

After the show you want a venue you can comfortably languish – recounting scenes and debating interpretations of what you’ve just seen. With its divine food and beautiful surroundings, Bambini is open until 11:30 pm (every night except Sunday), making it the perfect choice for late-night dining.

Bambini Trust is a brisk 5 minute walk from the State Theatre or Theatre Royal Sydney.

Located: St. James Trust Building, 185 Elizabeth St, Sydney

To book visit Bambini Trust