Restaurant

Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano

123 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 76 people

Updated

Find Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano

123 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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HoursMonday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano

Tucked along Clarence Street, this Sydney institution delivers old-school power dining lined with portraits of politicians and public figures. Suits and Italian expats fill the floor over seafood delivered twice a day, from Balmain bugs to rich seafood risotto. House pasta commands attention—especially the pappardelle with rich duck ragù—leaving diners tearing off bread to fare la scarpetta with the sauce. Tables share prosciutto-wrapped figs bathed in gorgonzola or pillow-soft gnocchi before rounding off with a crackling crème brûlée and a Strawberry Rose cocktail.

  • Old-School Setting: Dining room walls hung with photographs of politicians and celebrities set an unmistakably classic corporate tone.
  • Twice-Daily Seafood: Catches arrive twice daily to fuel dishes like Balmain bugs, scampi, and seafood risotto.
  • Handcrafted Pastas: Standouts include rich duck ragù pappardelle and gorgonzola gnocchi alongside a dedicated private dining room.

What's On at Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano Stands Apart

Why Sydney executives and discerning diners choose Machiavelli for corporate meetings and authentic Italian hospitality.

  • Executive Client Meetups in Sydney CBD

    Positioned in the heart of the Sydney CBD, Machiavelli caters seamlessly to business professionals and client lunches with attentive, prompt pacing.

    The perfect spot for client meetups or dinner with the family.

    Alexandra Lalaneats
  • Twice-Daily Fresh Seafood Deliveries

    Machiavelli accepts seafood deliveries twice daily to ensure peak quality across signature offerings like Balmain bugs and scampi.

    The food here is super fresh, their seafood gets delivered twice a day it's so popular!

    Alexandra Lalaneats
  • Dedicated Private Dining Room

    An understated Clarence Street setting paired with dedicated private dining options provides an intimate haven for group gatherings.

    the private dining room was ideal for the occasion.

    Serena Carl
  • Storied Power-Broker Ambience

    With walls adorned in portraits of prominent politicians and public figures, the dining room carries a storied, historic character.

    walls covered in photos of politicians and celebrities

    Mitch Crawford
  • Authentic Old-School Italian Recipes

    From duck ragu pappardelle to rich seafood risotto, the kitchen executes traditional recipes that satisfy discerning Italian diners.

    Tastiest authentic food we have ever had and my husband is from Italy so he would know.

    Rachelle
  • Attentive and Guided Hospitality

    Knowledgeable floor staff offer attentive menu guidance, wine pairings, and signature handcrafted cocktails.

    The staff were very friendly and great help with the menu. All round amazing experience.

    Jess Pine

Other favorites

House desserts and specialty cocktails

  • Crème brûlée

    the crème brûlée was fantastic, with a beautifully crisp top and silky custard

    Mitch Crawford
  • Strawberry Rose cocktail

    amazing cocktail highly recommend the strawberry Rose

    Jess Pine
  • Cheesecake

    I personally enjoyed the incredibly soft cheesecake

    Alexandra Lalaneats
  • Pannacotta

    the Pannacotta was exceptionally good

    Alexandra Lalaneats

Frequently Asked Questions

How is table water served?

When offered table water, waitstaff may serve bottled still water (such as a 1-litre bottle for $12) by default. If you prefer tap water, be sure to request it explicitly upfront.

Is there private dining available for events or client meetings?

Machiavelli features a private dining room that suits special occasions, as well as a lively main dining room decorated with photos of politicians and public figures that regularly draws business meetups and executive lunches.

What are the recommended dishes and desserts?

Popular savoury choices include the seafood risotto, Balmain bugs, scampi, and duck ragu with pappardelle. For dessert, guests highlight the crème brûlée, panna cotta, and cheesecake, alongside rich options like the chocolate tart that are great for sharing.

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