NSW’s best restaurant, Pellegrino 2000, primed for second serve

Pellegrino 2000 is planning another venue after being named Sydney’s top eatery. Clearly the appetite exists: there’s a six-week wait for a table.

The group behind NSW’s best restaurant have plans to open more.

Surry Hills Italian Pellegrino 2000 was voted the top restaurant in NSW by delicious.

It’s the second project from the trio of, acclaimed chefs Daniel Pepperell and Michael Clift, as well as sommelier Andy Tyson. They also opened Potts Point hotspot Bistrot 916. Now, the trio have apparently been in New York, fact finding for a new venue.

Clift, who is married to Margaret restaurant manager Josephine Perry Clift, said the group would like to open another venue.

“We will grow eventually, that’s definitely in the pipeline. Just when and where is still to be decided,” he said.

Pellegrino 2000 has plans to expand. Picture: Supplied

Delicious magazine declared Pellegrino, which opened earlier in the year, the number one spot in the 2022 for fresh pasta, focaccia, fritto misto and called out their dessert, the jellified limoncello, The restaurant has also been praised by MasterChef judge Melissa Leong.

Getting a table at the two storey eatery – whether on the street or in the candlelit wine cellar – was already tight before the list was published. Clift added that since the announcement, reservations have been “pretty full” and there is at least a six week wait.

“I’ve had friends ask to get them a table and I can’t,” he said.

Clift credits the success of both venues (Bistrot 916 also made the list) as places that are very approachable.

“Diners’ eating habits have changed and people eat out not just for special occasions,” he said. “Our staff are knowledgeable, the food is delicious and the wines great but it’s also a place where people want to just hang out.”

Clift jokes his father-in-law, restaurant great Neil Perry (whose new venue Margaret also made the top 100), did have one slight criticism. That the music was too loud!