KINDRED Restaurant — Restaurant in Sydney

Today is my last day in Sydney, and I really enjoyed my lunch here. What I’m about to say might be a little long — I hope you don’t mind.

In November 2019 when I was 19, right after finishing my very first final exam in undergrad, I came here for dinner for the first time. I still remember ordering the beef pappardelle that night — I was blown away by how good it tasted, and I immediately became a fan of Kindred.

But the second time I came back to Kindred wasn’t until three years later.

I’m an international student, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I wasn’t able to return to Sydney until 2023, after a three-year hiatus. I can’t quite put into words everything I went through during those years — I just remember how desperately I longed to come back: to return to campus, to the city, and to sit at Kindred once again, having dinner like a student fresh out of class, just as I did on that quiet November evening in 2019.

That evening was so gentle — no virus, no pain, and the whole world felt full of hope. I held onto that hope through what often felt like despair, until early 2023, when life finally began to return to normal. I came back to Sydney, and at last, I could sit here again, just as I remembered.

I think there may be a goat cheese pie or something on the menu in 2019 — it’s no longer on the menu now. I didn’t get to taste it, but simply being back and sitting here was enough, I was happy. As it felt like my life, which had been paused for so long, was finally beginning to move forward again.

To be honest, I was afraid Kindred might not make it through the pandemic. But you’re still here — and so am I. We both survived that long, difficult chapter, and in a quiet way, we both witnessed what it means.

Since then, I’ve shared so many joyful moments here with my partner and friends. And now, another three years have passed. I’ve completed my master’s degree and am about to return to China.

Studying abroad on your own can feel lonely, but Kindred has always been a warm and comforting place for me, full of delicious food, cherished memories, and quiet reminders of the person I was in 2019.

Thank you, sincerely. Thank you for everything. Kindred was my favorite Italian restaurant when I was 19, and it...

We took an early 5:30pm seating as the later slots were booked up! Of late, it's been hard getting good service when eating out, but Kindred staff were ALL brilliant. We didn't have to wait to be seated, offered a drink of water, shown the menu etc (there were others in the restaurant already by that time).

The staff were able to guide us on how much to order and what was in the food and dishes. The food was delicious... wholesome and hearty. We had the baked olives (very, very salty...I realise olives are salty but these seemed overly so). The trout dip with crackers was AMAZING. Then for entree we had the chicken liver parfait which was a bit strong in flavour for me but the rhubarb and pickles made a nice contrast...the roasted cauliflower was delicious and we polished off the leftover sauce as it was too good to waste. Then we had the beef shin pasta to share which was perfect...not too rich.

Empty dishes were taken away promptly but not swiped before you got that last bit of sauce with some bread! They cleared our plates before the main pasta came out and even though we hadn't used some of our cutlery, they replaced the lot. We had finished a large bottle of water and asked if 1 of the staff if she could please take it away which she did on her way to tables upstairs with a plate of food in her hand...I then noticed her coming back downstairs with said bottle! Wow! I would have expected a 'I'll collect it when I come back down as there isn't anywhere for me to put it upstairs.' It's the little things that go a long way.

I also asked to try 1 of the italian wines before committing to a glass of it which they accommodated happily, but I didn't like it so I said I would just get an alternative, to which she unexpectedly brought out another tasting!! The Riesling was great!

Despite being busy (the place was full by 7pm) the staff were engaging and friendly and our bill was accurate.

Would absolutely recommend for a date night or for a small group. Would happily return...keep up the excellent...

Located on busy Cleveland St, Darlington is the kitsch restaurant, Kindred. Aptly named, the friendly staff and setting will make you feel like part of the family. Serving mainly Italian Cuisine with much of their menu produced from scratch, in house and all made with love. The extra effort translating to a memorable dining experience.

Kindred is perfect for a date night or for sharing a meal with friends. If you visit in a larger group of 10 or more, the set menu options are a great option. We visited Kindred with foodie friends "Coffee Brunch Dinner" and "R&B(rum and bourbon) Diaries", this was perfect as it allowed us to try alot more of the amazing food on the the menu than usual. The drinks list contained an assortment of quality wine options, also featuring beer from local micro breweries spirits and non alcoholic beverages.

We whet our appetite with an assortment of pickles, olives, yogurt and green sauce as well as fresh sourdough made in house served with cultured butter. Wonderful bread - I always say you can judge a restaurant on their bread, so this was going to be a good meal. The chicken liver parfait being a favourite, rich and creamy parfait combined perfectly with the peach chutney and charred sourdough, this dish was a revelation.

The house specialty being the fresh made pastas. The parpadelle with beef rugu was a winner as was the ridiculously tasty sweet potato triangoli served with, goats cheese, hazlenuts and a burnt butter sauce.

For something more substantial the polpette(meatball) and polenta had the mouth watering when it arrived at the table as did the roast pork fillet with kipfler potato's. A serve of the rocket, walnut, pear and gorgonzola salad, a perfect accompaniment.

We channeled the second stomach for dessert and were glad we did. The coconut yogurt pana cotta and chocolate fondant were a great finish to a wonderful dining experience. Thanks to Kindred and their staff for the hospitality, great food and one of our favourite dining...