Penrith’s top five dining hubs revealed, according to OpenTable reviews

Penrith is starting to cement itself as home to some of Sydney’s most popular restaurants, with the number of bookings in the city’s west soaring. These are the five restaurants with the best reviews.

Paddles at Nepean Rowers in Penrith, which has experienced a spike in restaurant bookings.

As Penrith starts to cement itself as home to some of Sydney’s most popular restaurants, the area’s top five venues can be revealed.

The dining scene is taking off in the west, with Kitchen Confidential revealing this week Penrith recorded Sydney’s fourth highest increase in restaurant bookings in 2024.

Despite being 57km from the Sydney CBD, Penrith recorded a 20 per cent spike in bookings compared with the previous year, according to OpenTable data.

As bookings boom, this masthead has compiled a list of the area’s top five restaurants, according to OpenTable reviews. Each restaurant has at least 60 reviews.

1. PoppiTino

Italian restaurant PoppiTino has the highest rating of any restaurant on OpenTable in the Penrith area, scoring 4.8 stars out of 5.

The restaurant, located in the Caddens Corner Precinct, is described on the OpenTable website as making diners feel like they “have stumbled (their) way into the hills of Florence” with menu items inspired by Italian traditional recipes.

It is rated 4.8 for food, 4.8 for service, 4.7 for ambience and 4.6 for value.

PoppiTino in Caddens, Penrith. Picture: Facebook

The venue’s review summary states it is a “vibrant Italian restaurant”, known for its “fantastic food and service”.

“Guests rave about the ‘exceptional atmosphere’ and the staff’s attentive and friendly nature,” the review states.

“The menu offers a ‘great variety of dishes’, including standout risotto and lamb shoulder.

“With ‘reasonable prices’ and a welcoming ambiance, it’s a favorite dining spot for many.”

2. Rusty Penny

The Rusty Penny is the second best-rated restaurant in Penrith on OpenTable, with a 4.7-star rating.

It is described on OpenTable’s website as a small-batch brewing facility in the heart of Penrith, where patrons can savour the brewery’s craft beers and “enjoy a hearty feast” while watching the brewmasters at work.

“As we’re a manufacturing facility and brew our craft beer on site, you’ll experience the smells and sounds of our brewing process in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere,” it says.

The Rusty Penny in Penrith.

It is rated 4.7 stars for food, 4.6 for service, 4.7 for ambience and 4.6 for service.

The brewery’s review summary states it offers a “‘fantastic atmosphere’ with “delicious food and a vast selection of craft beers”.

“Guests rave about the ‘melt in your mouth meats’ and excellent service,” it states.

“It’s a kid-friendly venue perfect for BBQ lovers.

“While it gets busy, the ‘staff are friendly’ and the value for money is noteworthy.”

=3. Product of Italy

Product of Italy and Itza Metza Bar and Grill are tied as the third-highest rated restaurants in Penrith, both with a 4.6-star rating on OpenTable’s website.

Product of Italy is described on the website as an “authentic Italian pizza and pasta bar”, which caters for all dietary requirements and allergies as well as offering dine-in, takeaway and delivery options.

It has ratings of 4.7 for food, 4.5 for service, 4.3 for service and 4.5 for value.

Product of Italy in Penrith. Picture: Supplied

Its review summary states it has “fantastic service” and “delicious food”, and is a “top choice” for celebratory dinners and family meals.

“Diners rave about ‘amazing’ pasta, perfectly cooked pizzas, and accommodating staff,” it states.

“While the ambience can be lively, guests appreciate the excellent value and diverse menu, including gluten-free options.”

=3. Itza Metza Bar and Grill

Meanwhile, OpenTable describes Emu Plains Lebanese restaurant Itza Metza Bar and Grill as “the place where all taste buds tingle”, with an array of modern Australian dishes with a Mediterranean twist.

The Itza Metza Bar and Grill is tied as Penrith’s third best restaurant, according to OpenTable reviews. Picture: Facebook

It has ratings of 4.8 for food, 4.5 for service, 4.5 for ambience and 4.5 for value.

While it does not have a review summary, one reviewer, who said they went to the venue for their work Christmas party, said it was a “fantastic night out”.

“No request was too big, they accommodated everything, were very polite and the food spectacular, will be sure to return,” they wrote on November 30.

5. Paddles at Nepean Rowers

Paddles at Nepean Rowers has a 4.5-star rating on OpenTable’s website.

The restaurant, which is a part of the Nepean Rowing Club, has ratings of 4.4 for food, 4.5 for service, 4.5 for ambience and 4.3 for service.

“Offering a sophisticated twist on brasserie dining, Paddles has something for everyone with our great menu and a capacity of 200 seated guests,” the overview for the restaurant states.

Paddles at Nepean Rowers in Penrith has “a wonderful atmosphere”, according to reviews.

The restaurant’s review summary states it “offers a picturesque riverside dining experience with a wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff’”.

“Guests rave about the diverse menu and ‘delicious food’, while enjoying a relaxed setting,” it states.

“The venue is ideal for social gatherings and features live music.

“Although service issues were noted, many look forward to returning.”