Sydneysiders are often possessed with FOMO, flocking to new restaurants and fads like moths to a flame. Sadly, I can’t say that I’m exempt from this sweeping generalization. And the most unfortunate part is that more mature eateries like Fratelli Paradiso are sometimes overlooked.

It’s taken me way too long to get here. And it was often because the restaurant doesn’t take bookings. Regardless, I made it, and I liked it so much that I went again the following weekend. It’s a busy, busy place in Potts Point, so get there early to avoid a long wait for a table.

We start with the buffalo mozzarella with strawmato and basil. I’m not typically into calamari, but the Calamari Sant Andrea brings moreish gratification.

I love lasagne. When I was still a young’n, my answer to ‘what’s your favorite food’ was without fail ‘lasagne’. Nowadays I’ve broadened my horizons a bit, but lasagne has stayed strong in my top 3 favorite dishes of all time (sharing the limelight with potato gratin and pepperoni pizza).

ANYWAY, the lasagnetta at Fratelli Paradiso is the best I’ve eaten in Sydney. Armed with depth of flavor, it’s served individually in a small baking dish. The green (spinach, I assume) pasta sheets are layered with a killer bolognese and a generous serve of bechamel. Tip: don’t share! It’s too good to share.

The ragu at Fratelli Paradiso always changes, so one week I’m having cavetelli with a tomato-less ragu, and the next week it’s tagliatelle with a rich, tomatoey ragu on a plate brushed with chilli.

The spaghetti with scampi is fab. The pasta is sheathed in a creamy yet light tomato-based sauce (how is that even possible?! I have no idea) and the sweet, sweet grilled scampi on the side creates the perfect combination.

If you play your cards right, you might get a glimpse of the pasta being handmade before you as you dine.

Finish with the excellent tiramisu (I daresay it’s very, very similar to the one at 10 William St), and then roll on home.

---

Fratelli Paradiso
12 – 16 Challis Ave, Potts Point, NSW
Monday – Saturday: 7am – 11pm
Sunday: 7am – 10pm