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Cafe Paci

Smart bistro with big wine-bar energy.

Devilled eggs.
1 / 8Devilled eggs.Edwina Pickles
Chicken liver Paris-brest with onion jam.
2 / 8Chicken liver Paris-brest with onion jam.Supplied
Pain perdu with chocolate caramel and passionfruit.
3 / 8Pain perdu with chocolate caramel and passionfruit. Supplied
The dining room.
4 / 8The dining room. Supplied
Cafe Paci is a relaxed neighbourhood joint.
5 / 8Cafe Paci is a relaxed neighbourhood joint. Supplied
Ravioli of boudin blanc with Manjimup black truffles.
6 / 8Ravioli of boudin blanc with Manjimup black truffles.Supplied
Raw artichoke with anchovy, walnuts and Comté.
7 / 8Raw artichoke with anchovy, walnuts and Comté.Supplied
Beef a la plancha with horseradish, parmesan and yolk.
8 / 8Beef a la plancha with horseradish, parmesan and yolk.Supplied

Good Food hatGood Food hat16/20

Contemporary$$

Ever since chef Pasi Petanen opened the original Cafe Paci pop-up in Darlinghurst in 2013, he’s been making diners pause, take another bite and wonder exactly what’s going on.

Here, carrots aren’t just carrots – they’re spun into sorbet and served with licorice cake and an enchanting aerated yoghurt. They’re also fermented, sliced into discs and layered on a shard of ’nduja-topped rye. It’s clever, imaginative and immensely delicious.

Same goes for the soft and cuddly potato and molasses bread, plus a thrilling drinks list stacked with progressive natural-wine producers and sake makers, as complementary to the food as the charming service is.

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A fit-out that includes sensual curves, a handsome bar and a ceiling recalling shag carpet adds up to one of Sydney’s most electrifying restaurants. Nigella Lawson is right – no visit to Sydney would be complete without dining here.

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/nsw-good-food-guide/cafe-paci-20240128-p5f0l6.html