Capriccio Osteria

Capriccio is the Italian for “whimsical” or “fantastical”, and while they might be prone to *wait for it* capriciousness in their choice of naming, there is nothing unreliable about their food. They do have a Leichhardted atmopshere, at least, as they stand right at the heart of Sydney’s Italian community on Norton Street. Capriccio offers osteria­ style dishes, with a menu filled with both the classics of the genre to new, contemporary Italian favourites discovered through years of travel and research. Book a table and head to Leichhardt for an Italian feed to remember.

Capriccio is at the centre of the Sydney Italian community, located right on the world ­famous stretch of restaurants that is Norton Street in Leichhardt, but they don’t settle for being another red tablecloth, red sauce joint. Their owners, Matteo Calletto and Michele Rispoli, grew up in family restaurants at either end of Italy, Michele on the Amalfi Coast and Matteo on the Ligurian Riviera – and their chef from Emilio­ Romagna – and thus menu fully reflects the diversity and breadth of the regional cuisines available in Italy. Take a trip to Capriccio Osteria on Norton Street for a taste of the whole country. When you arrive at Norton Street in Leichhardt, you can get into the Italian spirit straight away – get into the Italian spirits too, with a pre­aperitivo, should you be so inclined – with a starter. We’d go for the polepette sub, with a homemade chickpea roll, before moving onto a classic bolognese or the fish of the day. Whatever you choose to order at Capricco Osteria, you can be sure of a warm welcome from Michele and Matteo, and one of the best Italian feeds found anywhere in Sydney: reserve your table now.