One Ford Street

The verdict

Bringing a little bit of Italy to Balmain, One Ford Street is an intimate 50-seat restaurant in Sydney that's serving up the goods to locals and visitors alike. Located next to the recently refurbished Cricketer's Arms, you'll be able to find fresh pasta, veal cipriani and all kinds of rustic Italian dishes on the menu. Head Chef Sam Bennett (Bourke Street Bakery, Glebe Point Diner and Fix St James) has travelled extensively around Italy to bring this flavour back to our shores.

Bennett says, “Having just returned from a year long working holiday in Italy, I was inspired by the big, simple flavours and beautiful ingredients and I really want to bring a style of cooking based on what I was seeing in regional Italy and interpret that here in Australia – non fussy, casual feasting food using amazing, fresh produce.”

There's also an eclectic wine list featuring Italian wines as well as Australian versions of Italian varietals plus a range of Italian craft beers. Take a seat in the outdoor courtyard and feel smug that you've found a great little Italian restaurant in Sydney.

Image credit: Federica Portentoso