Farina Pizzeria Top Ryde — Restaurant in Sydney

Visited on a Friday night – fair, but room for improvement We visited Farina at Top Ryde on a Friday evening and unfortunately left a bit disappointed with a few aspects of the experience. I’m writing this review not out of negativity, but as constructive feedback — with the hope it helps the team improve and gives future diners a clearer idea of what to expect.

Staff:

To start with the positives — our waitress (a friendly young woman) was lovely. She had a great attitude, a warm smile, and offered very good service throughout the evening.

There was also a very young male waiter who seemed quite new. While we understand that everyone is learning, he delivered our food without saying which dish was which, which made it a bit confusing. It’s a small detail but important — diners shouldn’t have to guess what’s being served.

Small service details:

We noticed a couple of things were missed that affected the flow of the meal. • We weren’t offered steak knives when the mains arrived and had to ask for them mid-meal. • Tap water wasn’t brought to the table at the start. We ended up asking for it near the end of the meal when we realised how thirsty we were. These may seem like small things, but they make a difference to the overall dining experience.

Food:

Starters • Pizza bruschetta: This was enjoyable — 7/10. • Buffalo wings: A bit too heavy on the sauce and quite salty — 5/10. Still edible, just not well-balanced.

Mains • Slow-cooked lamb: Unfortunately, this was overcooked and dry. We mentioned it to staff — 4/10. • Rib-eye fillet with sweet potato fries, beans, and carrots: I requested medium rare, but it arrived well done (photo was taken). Our waitress very kindly offered to send it back to the kitchen, but I let her know it was okay and just wanted to pass the feedback on to the chef. At this price point, a steak should really come out as ordered. • Steak and rib combo: Same issue with the steak — ordered medium rare, served well done. The ribs weren’t great either, and the plate came with chips but no salad. At $80, we didn’t feel the dish offered good value for money.

Service recovery:

After sharing our feedback, our waitress remained calm, polite, and understanding. She offered a complimentary dessert, which we genuinely appreciated, along with a $20 discount at the end of the meal. That gesture went a long way — thank you for that.

We’re not writing this to criticise but to offer honest, constructive feedback that we hope helps your team improve. With a bit more attention to detail in service and more consistency in the kitchen, this place has real potential. Thanks again for the...

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One of the standout features is the pizza selection. Not only is the quality excellent, but the restaurant also offers pizzas in a variety of sizes. from traditional to 0.5 metre, and even an incredible full metre option. It’s a fantastic concept, especially for groups or anyone who enjoys sharing. The pizza I ordered was cooked to absolute perfection: the base was large and fluffy, the toppings were fresh, and the flavours came together beautifully. Truly one of the best I’ve had. To accompany the meal, I tried the strawberry margarita, which was refreshing and nicely balanced – not overly sweet, but still full of flavour. The drinks menu as a whole is quite versatile, with options ranging from cocktails and wines to a thoughtful selection of mocktails, making it easy for everyone at the table to find something enjoyable. Overall, this place strikes the perfect balance between quality, variety, and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner, a group celebration, or simply a place to enjoy authentic Italian food, I would highly...

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From the moment I walked into this charming Italian restaurant, I knew I was in for something special. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with rustic decor and the rich aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. The staff greeted us with genuine warmth, making us feel like part of the family.

The menu was a true celebration of Italy’s finest culinary traditions. We started with a plate of antipasti, featuring a delightful mix of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables that were so fresh, each bite was bursting with flavor. The pasta, made in-house, was hands down some of the best I’ve had outside of Italy. The ravioli, filled with ricotta and spinach, melted in my mouth, and the rich, flavorful marinara sauce was a perfect complement.

What truly made the experience unforgettable, however, was the attention to detail in every dish. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were vibrant, and the passion for authentic Italian cooking shone through in every bite.

To top it all off, the dessert—a classic tiramisu—was the perfect ending to a meal that was nothing short of extraordinary. Every layer was decadent and well-balanced, making it impossible to resist finishing every last bite.

If you’re in the mood for an authentic Italian dining experience that combines impeccable service, exquisite food, and a...