Candelori's — Restaurant in Sydney

Superb Dining Experience Candelori’s offers one of the most exceptional dining experiences I have encountered in recent years. Situated in an unassuming Smithfield location, this establishment pays homage to fine dining with all the makings of a truly outstanding restaurant. Upon arrival, the experience is seamless; the attentive, well-trained staff welcome guests warmly, evoking the feeling of entering a close friend’s home. The décor is understated yet elegant, with thoughtful touches such as table linens that help absorb sound and encourage comfortable conversation—a notable contrast to many modern restaurants where hard surfaces lead to excessive noise. The menu follows a traditional Italian format, is easy to navigate, and features precise, concise descriptions that accurately reflect the dishes presented. We began our meal with the baked house bread, which was served in generous portions and proved delicious. The pizzeria Bianca was especially memorable, melting in the mouth. My appetiser, grilled octopus accompanied by wood-roasted capsicum and fava beans, offered a delightful harmony of flavours and textures, reminiscent of cherished childhood meals yet elevated in presentation. The octopus was tender and flavourful, complemented by the subtle sweetness of the roasted capsicum. My teenage daughter enjoyed a classic Margherita woodfired pizza, expertly baked to achieve a crisp base without a soggy centre. My son selected the special fresh egg tagliatelle with black truffle, which was finished tableside and topped with slivers of Western Australian black truffle. While less pungent than European truffles, its aroma was still remarkable; my son's succinct review: "delicious." My wife chose the woodfired Roman porchetta. Our only suggestion would be a more generous portion, and pears cooked to greater tenderness. I opted for the wood-roasted spatchcock, which was moist and attractively plated, though the orange jus lacked depth of flavour. Sides of double-cooked rosemary potatoes and asparagus complemented the main courses nicely. The Le Macioche Brunello di Montalcino DOCG paired excellently with our meal selections. For dessert, the tiramisu and banana crepe brûlée were standouts, whereas the special cannoli were less successful—over-fried with a mediocre ricotta filling. Service throughout the evening was professional, friendly, and unobtrusive. In summary, Candelori’s provided an outstanding dining experience worthy of high...

After last night's work group dinner, I am left with mixed feelings about my experience at Candelori's.

The waiters who served us were all very nice, friendly and served our food in a timely manner.

The food was delicious but expensive so be aware as it may break your wallet. Take note if they ask whether you prefer still or sparkling - opt for tap instead. They will not ask you again and refill your glasses until the end of your session. We ended up paying $54 for still water. It was our most costly group of 16 dinner to date.

My most unpleasant experience was speaking to the restaurant manager (light blonde hair female, wish I got a hold of her name). As two of our colleagues forgot to RSVP, we asked for a small table with two extra seats to be added to our table. Bear in mind the restaurant was half empty and it remained this way for the rest of the night. She was not amused and said she could not accommodate. We tried to resolve the issue and said if we could add two seats to our spacious pre-existing table as our colleagues were quite petite. She continued to make things difficult and said it would this would delay the food coming out, we had to leave by 7.30, it won't fit...

In a nutshell she's quite a distaste and had poor people skills which would deter customers like us from coming back.

We ordered the food at 5.30, finished the food at 6.30, had dessert and left at 7.30. Once again there were empty seats. If for not this experience with the manager would have stayed and ordered more drinks like any Friday night out...

Candelori's, the exquisite Italian restaurant located just a short 20-minute drive from my home, surpassed all my expectations and left me utterly amazed. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who truly cared about creating a memorable dining experience. Now, let's talk about the food. We started with the Sydney rock oysters, which were fresh and brimming with the flavors of the ocean. The burrata, a creamy delight, paired perfectly with the house bread. The pappardelle with osso buco ragu was a true masterpiece. The tender meat melted in my mouth, while the homemade pasta was cooked to perfection. One dish that stood out was the nduja salami and stracciatella pizza left my taste buds dancing. And let's not forget the grand finale: the tiramisu. It was a heavenly symphony of delicate layers, each spoonful taking me closer to dessert paradise. While my experience at Candelori's was overwhelmingly positive, I must mention one minor critique regarding the paper table covers. I couldn't help but notice that the paper table covers tended to cling to my sleeves. Although a small inconvenience, it momentarily disrupted the otherwise seamless dining experience. Candelori's is a culinary gem that has undoubtedly earned its reputation as a fine dining destination. It's a place where the art of Italian cuisine is celebrated, and every bite tells a story. I can't wait to return and explore more...