The Arrival
Tucked away on Phillip Lane, Kittyhawk New York’s entrance is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair. Step through the red neon-lit corridor and you’re transported to a vibrant homage to New York’s late-night dining scene. Formerly French, the venue now boasts an Italian-American menu with a funky twist, thanks to Head Chef Marco Costa (ex-Glorietta). With their sister restaurant Big Poppa’s temporarily closed for renovations, Kittyhawk New York has become the new hotspot.
Whilst we love all the sophisticated steak and seafood restaurants recently landing in Sydney, sometimes we just want to relax and have a great night out (without sacrificing quality food and drinks, natch). And Kittyhawk New York is definitely bringing the fun back into the CBD – the kitchen is busy spinning plates of pasta, the bar is slinging cool cocktails and the resident DJ is cooking up fantastic funky tunes.
Vibe & Design
The atmosphere is electric. To the left of the expansive backlit bar, cozy booths and tables nestle under a disco ball, striking artwork and a DJ booth. The walls in the DJ Den are adorned with classic hip-hop LPs – from Jay-Z to 2Pac, alongside vintage ghetto blasters and CD’s (remember those?!). It feels like you’ve landed in Rob from High Fidelity’s lounge room. A curated playlist of mashups, featuring faves like Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye and De La Soul, keeps the energy high. On the right of the entrance, a dedicated dining lounge offers circular booths and round tables with views of the bustling bar, which is where we settle in.
The Chef
Chef Marco Costa’s menu is a bold take on Italian-American cuisine, emphasising seasonal ingredients and high-quality produce. Expect a variety of cicchetti (Italian snacks) perfect for sharing, alongside sensational pastas that pay homage to New York’s rich culinary tapestry.
The Food & Drinks
We arrived in time for the end of Happy Hour (4-6pm) – lucky us! First up is the Limoncello Highball – bright, tangy and refreshing, like a zesty breeze straight off an Amalfi coast rooftop. The Garibaldi Sour was the other equally popular pick: think bittersweet Campari softened with freshly squeezed orange juice and a citrus twist. For the main meals, we switched gears to the Penicillin Sour, with it’s smoky, smooth and slightly brooding vibe and a glass of Nebbiolo, because when the food says Italy, we listen.
We were told by the excellent, passionate and knowledgeable staff that the Focaccia is a must do. They weren’t wrong. Thick, fluffy, perfectly baked and topped with a light sprinkling of olives and rosemary, it was delightful – but the real magic? The spicy tomato vodka butter. Rich, tangy, with a hint of heat, it was as if a Bloody Mary was made into a dip. If we could have taken home a jar of this, we would have immediately. And we may or may not have filled up on the bread too early, but we have zero regrets (other than not ordering more).
Curiosity led us to the cannelloni, which is filled with a silky mortadella paste, flash-fried for texture, and topped with crushed pistachios and a touch of dijon mustard – yes, mustard – it was playful, rich and totally unique. We also shared the giant grilled prawn, which arrived looking like a showpiece and tasted even better. Buttery, smoky and juicy – and thankfully we had saved just enough bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.
We were very excited to try the wagyu beef 100-layer lasagna, which surely will become a permanent fixture on the menu. Crisped and caramelised on the bottom so everyone gets that prized “end piece” experience, it floats on a creamy cheesy sauce, streaked with vibrant green basil oil. It’s as much a visual moment as a flavour bomb.
And just when we thought we couldn’t love the night more, the lamb pappardelle hit the table. This one’s a Big Poppa’s OG classic – and now we know why. Slow-cooked, fall-apart lamb with pappardelle coated in a creamy, buttery, luscious sauce, finished with plenty of finely grated Grana Padano and Pecorino. The kind of dish that makes the whole table fall silent for a moment, just to savour it.
What We’re Addicted To?
Honestly, we can’t wait to go back! The fusion of funky vibes, delectable food, inventive drinks and stellar service creates an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and unpretentious. Sydney could definitely use more late-night venues like this. And ladies, don’t miss the disco-themed bathroom booth – it’s selfie gold!
What Do We Need to be More Addicted?
If we are being picky, while the Cicchetti selection is delicious, we think expanding the range would further elevate the snacking experience, especially for those arriving later at night. And the non-negotiable Focaccia should definitely come with a recommendation of an extra piece per table to mop up the last of the pasta sauce. Yum!!
The Deets
Kittyhawk New York, 16 Phillip Lane, Sydney
Open: Tues-Sat 4pm till 12am
