Mordeo

The verdict

After a $2.5 million transformation, Mordeo has reopened just off Martin Place with a new look, a new kitchen lead and a sharper, more flexible way to dine in the CBD.

The biggest shift is behind the scenes. Owner Nick Aspros has merged Mordeo’s Bistro & Bar with its Express Pasta Bar into one unified space—creating a venue that moves easily between morning and night.

“Mordeo has always been about generous Southern European hospitality,” Nick tells Urban List.

“This new chapter brings everything together in one space, so it works just as well for a quick breakfast or lunch as it does for a long dinner and drinks.”

The kitchen is now led by Jean-Baptiste Legrand (ex-Restaurant Hubert), whose background across France and Sydney shapes a menu grounded in Mediterranean and French influence. Expect a mix of hand-stretched pizzas, house-made pastas and larger plates designed to share—leaning into seasonality while keeping the overall offering generous and approachable.

If you are concerned about being too swept up in the CBD rat race to lock in a reservation, never fear. Their express menu riffs on the main offering with slices of pizza and pasta for those on the go, while the standout is the piegata—a folded, pizza-style sandwich made with 48-hour fermented dough and filled with combinations like jamón, provolone and confit tomato.

“It sits somewhere between a panini and a pizza,” Nick says. “It feels really unique to Mordeo.”

Drinks continue to play a big role. The wine list recognises both European and Australian producers, cocktails are classic with a Southern European edge, and there’s a strong after-work focus—especially with options like the Positano Pash, a bright mix of basil, gin, limoncello and pineapple.

Inside, the space has been completely reworked by Like Minds Studio. Terracotta tones, bentwood chairs and custom timber tables give it a Mediterranean feel, while a five-metre marble communal table anchors the room for shared dining. There’s also a private dining room tucked away for groups, alongside smaller, more intimate pockets throughout.

“It’s earthy, warm and refined without feeling too formal,” Nick explains. 

More than anything, the new Mordeo is about ease. It’s designed to feel approachable at every touchpoint, whether you’re grabbing something quick between meetings or settling in for the evening.

“We’ve put a lot into the fitout, the produce and the team, but we never wanted it to feel intimidating,” Nick says. “From back of house to front of house, there’s a really genuine, relaxed hospitality there.”

Open from early morning through to late evening, Mordeo is positioning itself as a true all-day CBD player—one that meets you wherever you’re at, without asking you to change pace.

Image credit: Mordeo | Supplied