Postino Osteria

Postino Osteria is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant by acclaimed chef Alessandro Pavoni (of top Italian spots Ormeggio and a'Mare) in the historic Summer Hill post office, picking up where One Penny Red left off. 

"A great local osteria is a home away from home,” says Alessandro.

“A place where you can stop for a vino on your way home from work, celebrate with friends and family when you deserve celebrating, come for dinner and know you’ll be looked after by a maitre’d who knows your favourite aperitivo and goes from there."

As such, a significant number of tables are reserved for walk-ins, encouraging locals to swing in for traditional, low-key fare from all regions of Italy like Milanese meatballs, Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod whipped baccala style with polenta chips, and Blackmore Wagyu tonnato.

Substantial plates and pastas include a classic eggplant parmigiana; veal saltimbocca; mezze paccheri with Meredith Dairy baby goat ragout and goat cheese, parsley and baby sundried tomatoes; and gigli with king prawns, Pilu’s bottarga, cherry tomato and orange zest.

There’s also a bar menu offering the most snackable picks, and a $79pp set menu of favourites.

On the drinks front, Postino Osteria keeps things Italian with a strong contingent of Italian wine varieties (alongside international and Aussie staples), classic cocktails, and some signatures like the Affumicato with Aperol, Strega, Montelobos mezcal and lime; and the XXII Century with Plymouth Sloe, Cocchi Aperitivo, Tempus Cacao, grenadine and lemon.

Bookings are available online, and walk-ins encouraged.

Now check out more of the best restaurants in the Inner West.

Image credit: Postino Osteria | Supplied