PLATE DINING — Restaurant in Sydney

The cozy and inviting ambiance of this Italian dinner restaurant instantly sets the stage for a delightful dining experience, making it a wonderful choice for an evening out. The warm atmosphere is perfect for savouring Italian cuisine, and my first visit 2 weeks ago introduced me to their Dinner menu, where the food was enjoyable, ranging from average to great.

The restaurant’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment is evident, and the staff’s efforts to keep things running smoothly are commendable. That said, the seating area can feel a bit congested, with customers placing orders, staff taking orders, and waitstaff navigating a crowded space. Streamlining the seating plan and improving the flow of operations would make the experience even more seamless and enjoyable for guests.

The manager’s professionalism is a highlight, as they handled our concerns with courtesy and attentiveness, showing a genuine dedication to customer satisfaction. During my most recent visit, however, we encountered a hiccup with the seating process. We were promised a table in line, but another couple who walked in was promptly seated at a table that had just been vacated. The manager explained they had a booking, yet we overheard the couple casually remark, “Oh, there’s a table there, we can sit on that one,” suggesting they may not have had a reservation. Additionally, a table with a reserved sign remained unused, which left me curious about the clarity of the booking system. Refining this process would help ensure a fair and transparent experience for all guests.

This restaurant has all the makings of a fantastic Italian dining destination, with its charming ambiance and solid menu offerings. With a few tweaks to the seating and operational flow, it could truly become a...

As a former executive chef, I genuinely rate this restaurant very highly. The food shows an impressive level of craftsmanship and flavor, and both portion size and pricing are very reasonable. The combination of ingredients and the balance of flavors are excellent, and the menu feels diverse without being overwhelming.

The focaccia served at the beginning was especially memorable — great texture and execution — and the variety of condiments was well thought out. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and although it wasn’t handmade, the choice of dried pasta was a smart one.

If I were to mention a few small points, the eggplant dish could use a touch more acidity and seasoning, and the pasta dish might benefit from just a bit more seasoning. Some of the ingredient pairings felt a little predictable, which could come across as familiar or even safe — but I also understand that, from a general diner’s perspective, these combinations are reliable and crowd-pleasing choices that rarely go wrong. The panna cotta was a great idea with minimal gelatin, though a slightly firmer texture could have balanced the creaminess better (even considering it was getting the room temperature over the time).

Overall, it was an excellent meal. While the café setting slightly softens the fine-dining atmosphere, the quality of the dishes more than makes up for it. It’s a real blessing to enjoy food of this quality without having to travel all the way to Surry Hills. I hope this honest review is taken in the good spirit it’s intended — the chefs here truly...

Whether you're a pasta lover or just looking for a cozy spot with great Italian food, Plate Dining never disappoints. Highly recommend!

Plate Dining has completely redefined pasta for me. Every time I try pasta elsewhere, I can’t help but compare it to this place—it has become my gold standard. From the moment you walk in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The staff always greet you with a smile, adding to the inviting vibe.

At first, I never thought to order entrées at a small local restaurant, but Plate Dining completely changed that. Now, I can’t help but order more than I can handle! The burrata salad is beautifully creamy and flavorful, while the house-made focaccia is simply perfect—crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. My kids absolutely love it!

And of course, the pasta is unbeatable. My personal favorite is the mushroom pappardelle. Unlike the usual creamy mushroom pastas, this one is all about deep, earthy flavors. The mushrooms are rich and savory, perfectly complementing the al dente pappardelle. Every bite is full of umami, with just the right balance of seasoning to let the natural...