A Thousand Reasons to Visit Mille Vini

When the world nominates you as the best pasta and pizza chef in a glittering New York party, you might wonder if you have peaked in life a little too early. Not so John Lanzafame, the ‘Prince of Pizza’ leaves his helm at the Hugo’s group to take on a challenge of a more intimate kind.

Mille Vini, a pioneer of Sydney’s small bar scene is now blazing a new trail for others to follow; the banquette seating, romantic nooks and open brick work remains but with a new owner, chef, wine and dining menu, this is one classic you need to rediscover.

John’s love of Italian is like a hug from a supermodel, exciting, recognisable, but at the same time has a rock star quality. Perfect antipasto plays companion to a Santa Margherita Prosecco; crostini topped with cherry tomatoes, calamari dancing on a doona of aioli and caramelised onions followed by more-ish polenta chips with gorgonzola sauce.

Alaskan king crab spaghetti offers a crunchy, sweet textural delight whereas the lobster ravioli and picture perfect kingfish provides so much celeb personality, they need a chat show of their own.

The boutique wine list may not quite number ‘Mille Vini’ (a thousand wines) but it will transport you to a little corner of Sicily so vivid you’ll wish you could stay, sip and share in a few hundred more.

Mille Vini
397 Crown Street, Sydney 2000
T: 02 9357 3366

About the author

Karen Lawson

Karen’s corporate job back in the UK had included entertaining clients in some of the best restaurants. This ultimately sparked a curiosity 'Just how do they do that?' (she confesses she was brought up on meat and vegetables, so this was all very exciting). Currently a Mr & Mrs Smith 'Tastemaker', she’s flashpacked around the world, learning about wine, experiencing different cultures and cuisines and had a two- year love affair with it all. Originally from England, she finally settled in Australia and continues to be besotted by food, wine and travel preferring to focus on the luxury end of town (thread count does matter).