Buon Ricordo Italian Restaurant & Private Dining — Restaurant in Sydney

It was my first time visiting Buon Ricordo but had high expectations as my partner has declared this as his favourite restaurant.

I loved the eccentric decor as it almost felt like I was in the grand dining hall of some Italian aristocrat. The ambience immediately transported me to a restaurant in Palermo in the 1980s. *Don’t quote me on this as I have not been to Palermo nor was I even alive in the 1980s.

And of course, the truffle egg pasta left me speechless. It has definitely converted me into a Buon Ricordo worshipper.

It was probably the best way to end my trip to Sydney.

Pros: Amazing service from the owner Dave who we gave all the power to choose the dishes for us. I had no doubt he would curate an amazing lunch for us as he had a very Masterchef-esque beard. Special mention to the faggotinni prawns - the sauce that came with it was absolutely divine!

Sommelier Nick paired our dishes with great wines, and got us to a nice buzz which helped lessen the shock when the bill came.

Terry who waited on us was attentive and had great stories to share with us in between dishes. He also put on a great display of grating the parmesan on our pasta and skilfully mixing it in, all the while maintaining a stoic face. I’m sure he has a lot of fun seeing the glint in our eyes as he does his ‘performance’ anyway.

Cons: Any pasta you have after having Buon Ricordo’s truffle egg pasta will...

I lived around the corner from #buonricordo for 5 or 6 years and only ate there once. It was amazing; one of the few restaurants that genuinely lives up to their reputation. I think you know you're somewhere special when the staff derive almost as much pleasure serving you a great meal as you do eating it. Still, it was 13 years before I went back there. This weekend we went to a magnificent birthday lunch (thanks S&A!) upstairs at BR in a room that seats around 40. We were treated to a 5 or 6 course festival of classical Italian food that was weighted to perfection. I didn't even know this room existed, but if someone who's cashed up (maybe your boss!) ever asks you to recommend a private dining room, I would put this at the top of your list. It was a great party space. I still haven't explained why it took me so long to go back. I think that Buon Ricordo is one of those restaurants that is so good that it requires a special occasion or moment that matches its grandeur. If you haven't been here and you're a food groupie, I would put this next to #Tetsuya as one of those experiences that you have to have, might never have, and certainly don't want to have every week. I loved it as much as I did 13 years ago, and will probably be talking it up until the next time.... in another 10 years. ps. yes, the truffled egg fettucine...

Last night, I had the pleasure of dining at Buon Riccordo in Paddington, and it was truly a memorable experience. From the moment we stepped inside, there was a sense of warmth and genuine hospitality that set the tone for the evening. We were greeted with kindness by the owner, and that same welcoming spirit flowed through every interaction with the staff.

The private dining room we were in felt like a little escape—secluded, full of charm, and perfect for settling in and truly enjoying the night. The service was thoughtful and attentive without ever feeling overbearing. It allowed us to relax and savour each course at our own pace.

And the food—what an experience. Each dish was beautifully balanced, refined yet full of heart. The flavours were so smooth and harmonious; every bite felt special. We enjoyed a beautifully curated three-course meal, finishing with a refreshing sorbet that rounded out the night perfectly. The attention to detail was remarkable—from the plating to the exquisite hand-painted dishes that transported me straight to a quiet laneway in Italy.

It’s rare to find a place where everything—ambience, food, service, and soul—comes together so seamlessly. I can’t wait to return, and I wholeheartedly recommend Buon Ricordo to anyone looking for a truly special...