Harrys by Giuls — Restaurant in Sydney

What Makes a Great Italian Restaurant?

I recently dined with a dear friend and chose Harry’s by Giuls specifically because their menu featured my friend’s all-time favourite Italian pasta dish.

To start, we ordered the Octopus with Nduja (a type of spicy pork sausage) and garlic, along with a Burrata La Stella. Both were excellent—tender, flavourful and a promising start to the meal.

Then came the pasta mains. I opted for the Vodka Pasta with Scallops, Caramelized Onions, and Chili Flakes. However, after just a couple of bites, I had no choice but to send it back. The pasta was drastically undercooked. The sauce was thin, lacking depth and the scallops, if there, doing a great job of hiding.

The waiter kindly offered a replacement dish, so I decided to join my friend in ordering the Carbonara. Unfortunately, more disappointment.

While the pasta was properly cooked this time, the sauce was again, very thin and lacked flavour. The guanciale (cured pork cheek), which should have tender was tough, most probably from being over-fried rather than gently browned.

We ate our Carbonara reluctantly.

The moment of truth finally arrived when our waiter asked about our experience.

We were honest about not enjoying the pasta and a few moments later the manger came along to get more feedback. ( We appreciated this very much.)

Out of curiosity, I asked how they prepared their Carbonara sauce. The manager's response left me stunned: "We use cream and Parmesan cheese."

Wait… no eggs? And why cream?

A true Italian Carbonara relies on eggs and Pecorino Romano (not Permesan) to achieve its silky texture - not cream. This insight explained everything.

So, what truly defines a great Italian restaurant?

Authenticity, respect for tradition and mastery of the simplest ingredients. Unfortunately, Harry’s by Giuls fell short on all three when it came to the mains.

However, my friend and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the excellent staff who served us with genuine smiles and who took the time to understand our concerns.

A special appreciation for their gracious gesture of removing the Vodka Pasta and one Carbonara meal...

Harry's in Darlinghurst, Sydney, presents a culinary experience that effortlessly captures the essence of Italian cuisine. The journey begins with their Burrata starter – a symphony of creamy indulgence. The velvety texture of the Burrata, coupled with the subtle richness, creates a captivating prelude to the culinary masterpiece that follows.

For the main course, the Vodka Pasta takes center stage. Harry's has perfected the delicate balance of flavors in this dish, with the vodka-infused tomato sauce providing a nuanced backdrop to the al dente pasta. The robust combination of savory and slightly tangy notes lingers on the palate, making each bite a delightful revelation. The pasta dish showcases the chef's commitment to authentic Italian taste, transporting diners to the heart of Italy with each mouthful.

As the grand finale, the Nutella Cigar dessert proves to be a showstopper. This sweet creation is a testament to Harry's commitment to culinary innovation. The presentation itself is a work of art, resembling a finely crafted cigar. Cutting into the dessert reveals layers of velvety Nutella goodness, complemented by a delicate crispiness. The juxtaposition of textures and the intensity of the Nutella flavor make it a fitting conclusion to a remarkable dining experience.

Beyond the exquisite dishes, the ambiance at Harry's adds to the overall allure. The warm, inviting atmosphere, combined with attentive and knowledgeable staff, elevates the dining experience. The attention to detail in both the décor and service demonstrates a commitment to providing patrons not just a meal but a memorable journey through the flavors of Italy.

In conclusion, Harry's in Darlinghurst is a gem in Sydney's culinary scene. From the heavenly Burrata to the sublime Vodka Pasta and the innovative Nutella Cigar, each dish reflects a passion for authenticity and culinary artistry. For those seeking an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Sydney, Harry's is undoubtedly a must-visit...

Bon Appetit? More like bone up your teeth. I came for a toothsome meal but left with a toothache.

A group of my friends and I visited 3 months ago. We ordered the burrata as an entree, a pepperoni; and Margherita pizza and two pastas, the mushroom; and pappardelle.

The mushroom pasta was bursting with umami flavour - funghilicious. It was creamy and rich with flavour but not too heavy to the point it can easily become sickening. Absolute slay for mushers, bonus points for the genius use of shitaké mushrooms.

It started off tooth strong, this is where everything began to take a downturn. When we ordered the pappardelle, we were promised “Ossobuco Ragu, Red wine, Onion and Rosemary DF (PASTA CONTAINS EGG)”. They forgot to include the disclaimer that it comes with a side of bone. When brought up to attention the waiter downplayed the situation. Explaining that “the beef is roasted in bulk batches and so we can’t guarantee that there isn’t bone in it”. That’s it. No apology. Nothing. She was presumptuous and assumed that I was fine without genuinely asking me, stating “as long as you are fine, it’s fine”. I believe it’s up to the customers discretion whether they are, or are not fine with almost chipping their front teeth on a bone that never should’ve been in the food in the first place.

It really is a shame that what was otherwise a great dining experience, was ruined by such a wayward attempt of dealing with the situation. I understand mistakes happen but an upstanding restaurant would own up to their mistake and apologise rather than minimise. I would’ve given 4 stars.

Shout out to the British waitress. She was very attentive and provided...