Fabbrica Pasta Shop CBD — Restaurant in Sydney

We got to the restaurant on a Sunday just before noon. Google listed their opening hour was 11am. Looked like we were the first to be there, not sure if there were someone else before us but it was completely empty.Not sure it was a good sign.

A young waitress greeted us, not too enthusiastic but she did ask how was our day. We sat down and ordered two spagoes with prawns and a focaccia to share and it was all fine.

The restaurant was setup in an underground shop, interior was filled with big counter tops in the middld and along the big kitchen with big drawers for storage, and bar stools for seats. Because it was quite windy and a bit chilly we opted to sit inside. The seat arrangement was really uncomfortable because there’s nowhere to put our feet but to the sides of the stool due to the big drawers. Outside seats were slightly better but there are like a wine bar setup with high stools and small tall tables. They don’t look especially comfortable either but at least there’s room for your feet.

As we had a lot to drink the night before we didn’t want any alcohol and just wanted some sparkling water while we wait for our food.

Soon after we ordered from the previous young waitress an older lady who seemed to have a grumpy attitude came out from the kitchen and asked if we wanted to order. She then went on to push for wine order and we told her we had a lot last night so not today thank you and she was not impressed. She then went to the counter to chat with the two young staff at the counter. Another two young staff were working in the open kitchen but they were moving slowly without showing any emotion or positive energy.

Our focaccia with butter was served within ten minutes which was good although it would have been much better and needed a little warmed up or toasted especially on a chilly day like this, it tasted slightly stale as they were, the focaccia was cold like they were just out of the fridge.

We finished our focaccia, no one collected the empty plate, and no one came to refill our glass the whole time we were there. It would have been at least another half an hour till our two pasta served. During our wait another two groups of couples and a party of four turned up.

Another young waitress finally delivered our pastas. She took away our knives and forks along with the plates we used for the focaccia and told us she would be back with a new set of knives and forks. However, she never come back, we waited for five minutes without knives and forks and decided to use those setup on the bench top next to us. When we mentioned this to the previous older lady who very likely to be the manager on duty if not the owner, she just uttered “Oh, really!?” And didn’t say anything else, not even a simple apology.

However, the most disappointing was the pasta. First of all, the spaghetti was really overcooked and not al dente! This was tge last thing we expected from a gourmet Italian pasta restaurant and a well known one. Secondly the tomato sauce was so thick and gluey it was a gluggy mess. Not pleasant to eat. The one good thing is the five pieces of prawns were a generous size and tasted very fresh.

The whole time we were there we just felt this is not a happy place. The experience was really disappointing from the second we stepped foot in...

!!Asked for vegetarian and received pork in dish!!

Firstly I want to note that the purpose for my review is not to be punitive but for my poor experience to serve as points that the restaurant can be improved and other diners to be aware of.

I arrived and waited 10mins to get my name on the list. Fair as I didn’t have a booking so it’s reasonable. Took a while to be greeted then eventually informed it will be a 20 minute wait before being texted as a reminder to come back for a free table. 40 minutes passed so went back and was told to wait further. Until I asked again after over one hour of waiting we were sat inside. It is quite uncomfortable being sat next to empty bakery glass table that has no leg room so you have sit angled. The menu is difficult to determine what items as vegetarian/ vegan.

We get to ordering and I request no meat as I am a vegetarian. Unfortunately despite my request I was served pasta with pork which I unknowingly consumed. I check with my friend who eats meat and confirmed it’s pork. The issue was raised to the waiter who showed genuine remorse and understanding. He explained that it was entered as no meat to the chef. However in my opinion this is a grave mistake on the restaurants behalf. I am a strict vegetarian of over 20 years for personal religious and ethical reasons and have never had an issue where a restaurant takes note of my dietary restriction and still serves meat. I went back home and had a horrible evening forcing myself to throw up to try to rid myself of the guilt.

I appreciate the waiter showed understanding and recognition that this mistake is not acceptable, and was ok with no payment. Hoping that they take on this feedback and not give diners false promise of seating time expectations and not catering to dietary requirements. Imagine if I was anaphylactic.

For diners going to this restaurant- try booking ahead and double triple checking...

Food and atmosphere were both great. The service was a bit off though. Came here for dinner in a small group.

We were seated quickly but it took ages for them to bring us the drinks that were ordered. We had to follow up and then one came, but for the wine we ordered, they told us maybe 30 minutes after ordering it that it wasn’t available.

After ordering all the food, the starters and pastas came quickly, but we were waiting and waiting and the salad never came. The guy said it wasn’t on the order 🤷‍♀️ so we just gave it a miss and left it.

Finally, at the end of the night, we were also very rushed to leave. I know that there are seating times, but they took two of our drinks and the girls hadn’t finished them.

In terms of food though: the cauliflower - small dish but quite nice. The cauliflower is soft but not too soft, and there is a cheesy layer on top, which is also nice. It’s not super special but I’d recommend it :) the croquettes - yum! They were small but had the nice crispy outer layer and then the soft, cheesy inner layer!! Kinda like an arancini but more so just cheese Campanelle (pesto, goats curd, pine nuts) - really nice, good flavours and textures but have had better conchiglie (salsiccia) - I didn’t try this but my friends said it was delicious! fettuccine (porcini, funghi, leek, hazelnut) - my favourite!!! It is a unique pasta that is dominated by the mushroom flavour and the added texture of the hazelnuts is great!! spaghetti all’Arrabbiata (prawns, gremolata) - I found this one not super special but my friends liked it. It was a little spicy! hazelnut tiramisu - quite nice; not too overpowering with the coffee taste. A subtle but nice hazelnut flavour

Based on this experience, I would come for the food but not the service. I didn’t drink but my friends said the drinks weren’t too...