Barbetta

The Verdict

For classic Italian vibes in the heart of Paddington—you’ll want to check out Barbetta. This newbie is serving up everything from lasagne (that’s actually worth ordering) to a Sicilian-style breakfast that’s more than a couple of pastries and a poorly made coffee. So. Much. More.

First up is breakfast. You’ll be kicking your day off here with Sicilian buckwheat pancakes served with fresh ricotta, figs and (wait for it) crushed cannoli, or you’ll want the heartier option which involves baked eggs with classic Italian-style sausage and sourdough. For lunch, it’s much the same, with that lasagne we mentioned earlier, simple pasta done damn well, side salads, spinach and ricotta ravioli and a spicy meatball burger. Obviously, you’ll want a can of chinotto on the side. 

But wait, there’s more, and we’re not even sorry for the cheesy transition. This place has a deli too and that’s where you’ll find hearty take-home meals, the requisite cold cuts, cheeses and pasta sauces. Basically, everything you need to cook up a Barbetta-quality meal at home. 

Imae credit: Caitlin Hicks