La Capannina Italian Restaurant Sydney — Restaurant in Sydney

"So this is what people do when they retire?", I though to myself as I looked around the clientele at La Capannina, Milson's Point. In the outdoor area, there was a table of six older men (mid to late 60s) who looked like they all probably worked together at some point. In the inside area, everyone was similarly aged, though in much smaller groups. Along with the waiters, I was the youngest person in the restaurant. It was interesting to sit quietly and reflect and have a beer, as I waited for my lunchtime partner.

Every so often, a former colleague and I go out for longish lunch. While mostly I scoff down some food in front of my computer (not actually taking a lunch break), it's an occasional indulgence which I have mixed feelings about. I have a reasonably healthy work ethic, and so the idea of skiving off for a few hours hits at the very core of my existence. But then I rationalise it by remembering I hardly ever actually go out for lunch, and after a couple of hours of good food, good wine and good conversation, it's all okay.

Having lived in Sydney all his life, being pretty well connected, and now retired, my friend usually has better ideas about where to go than I do. Today, he excelled himself with his suggestion of La Capannina. I'd never heard of it. I had no idea there was a restaurant located at an old bowling club at Milson's Point, right next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and with great views.

For the entree, we shared a healthy serving of antipasto. For the main, I had rolled veal which was excellent. In contrast to the restaurant's bowling club days, the meals were mid-priced (higher than I'd normally pay for lunch, but not too high). The wait staff (who all spoke with Italian accents) were friendly and efficient. The owner popped out for a chat to check on how things were going.

On a fine winter's day in Sydney, you could do worse than have...

This was an amazing experience for me, I travel to Italy regularly and I felt like I was back there. I had no booking and was welcomed like a regular customer. The service was swift, professional and with a smile, my table was set simple but with a touch of elegance. The owners and staff were very attentive and helpful with the well presented and inviting menu. A starter of recommended warm crusty Italian bread with the Ravioli Di Zucca cooked al dente and to perfection is a must, the sauce and filling was prepared to impress, the texture of the filling with the sauce was heaven, I had a couple of glasses of Nero D' Avola vino rosso to go with my Filetto Di Manzo, this fillet steak was cooked med rare and was by far one of the best steaks I have had in a long time, no need for a big knife, it cut like butter and was cooked perfect to my request, it was accompanied with sautéed mini carrots and sweet caramelised onions, it was a credit to the chef and his team for such a wonderful dish, then followed with Dolce of Tortino DI Mele, a warm moist light cake with Vanilla sauce and nuts, it was amazing and a fantastic end to my meal, I enjoyed it with a nice glass of Michel Et Marie sticky white wine and a long Macchiato coffee. The staff were very helpful and informative, albeit the staff need to eat and try the food to give a true account of the dish, the discrete cleaning of my table of bread crumbs was done with perfection and my table cleared nicely without being rushed. This is a restaurant that I would recommend if you want a true Italian experience, the warm vibrant atmosphere coupled with a real Italian ambience adds to the overall feel to the restaurant, the service and especially the food will give you a real Italian fix. It is very affordable without compromise and well worth a visit,...

We went here after reading an article on Time Out. It was an ok/below average experience.We tried 3 different starters and 5 mains including, scotch fillet, fish of the day, ravioli, pasta of the day. Starters were great (recommend the kingfish dish and tuna tartare.) However, all main dishes were disappointing. The main dish fish tasted bland and so did the scotch fillet. Pastas were average.

The view from the place is definitely beautiful and created a great ambiance.

Alongside the service was not as good as it started. Initially the staff were very attentive, but after the starters we had to ask for refill of the water a few times. We ate our mains and again had to ask for the table to be cleared, then we asked for dessert menu but again no one was approaching for a while. I understand restaurants get busy but it felt like the service was not very good in comparison to how other tables were being served. This was disappointing because we were a large group.

Overall, it was not the best experience. For the price...