Otto

Ph: 9368 7488; The Wharf Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Rd, WOOLLOOMOOLOO 2011 www.otto.net.au

Italian, $$$, ** for Ambience
Open Lunch 7 days noon-3.30pm Dinner 7 days 6pm-10.30pm, Closed Mon and Easter; Licensed; AE DC MC V
Chef (James Kidman, 2007-11-3) Owner (Leon Fink, 2007-11-3)

Mietta's Review

The question is: can Leon Fink revive Otto? Leon's first brush with restaurants was in the early 60s when Gay and Tony Bilson rented some impossible space in Elizabeth St and started Tony's Bon Gout. Inspired by the possibilities he financed Tony into Kinselas and then Bilsons, now Quay, which, after Tony's departure, he managed to make work. Otto under its creator, Maurizio Terzine, instantly became the only place to be seen in Sydney. So, can Leon get the souffle to rise twice. Well the social buzz is still missing but it's clearly on the way up. It has to be a scene as there's no way you'd go for the 'Italian' bistro food, which is adequate if not distinguished and a bit more expensive than its neighbours. Nor is the view of a massive boardwalk with a glimpse of sea between the wharves particularly memorable. No, here it's the service. Smart, working hard for the tip - 'excellent choice sir' - with carefully measured but appreciable charm. The waiting staff manage to create enough of a buzz to make the experience worthwhile. There's a very good chance that this'll do the trick and make Otto (at least) one of the places to be seen at. Congratulations Leon.

Nearby on the Wharf is its sister establishment Nove Pizzerie

Other published opinions

Gourmet Traveller 2009 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: * "Otto is the quintessential Sydney dining experience; cool, contemporary waterfront dining against a glistening backdrop, whether it be sunlight over the bay by day, twinkling lights from the CBD by evening"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 15.5/20, One Hat "As the sun sets behind a stunning city skyline, savvy staff glide and groove to Otto's funky beat. This slick alfresco-styled fine diner, along Australia's sexiest wharf, is the haunt of the rich, the famous and the wannabe starlets"

Gourmet Traveller 2008 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: * "The Emerald City is fickle. Yet in one of the most Sydney of spaces - a restored wharf amid the harbourside apartments of the affluent Ott continues t attract a loyal clientele"

Sydney Eats 2008 "Still dragging in the wannabe scene crowd after all these years and, more surprisingly, still serving fine Italian-accented food with charming service"

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007 Score: 15/20, One Hat "Open your nose, squint your eyes and that wooden Italian speedboat quietly bobbing in the harbour could be moored in Naples. In fact, you're on the Finger Wharf, one of Sydney's most spectacular waterfront spots, where this sumptuous room makes good use of its alfresco surrounds."

Gourmet Traveller 2007 Restaurant Guide Score: * "Lucky are the people at Otto. While it's temptingjustto linger over a caffe corretto and a slab of walnut and pear tart in the sunlight and watch the world go by, the menu is deserving of closer attention."

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2006 score 15/20, 1 Hat "From the day it opened, Otto seemed destined for iconic status as a 'Sydney institution'. This is a high-octane, swish dining experience at any time of the day. Indoors or out on the marina you enjoy an intimate relationship with the Harbour and a moody city skyline. Tanned middle-aged gigolos and women whose wrists drip with bling mingle with flirty, pretty young PR thing"

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide * "Ah! An outdoor table at Otto in beautiful weather: fresh food attractively presented by efficient staff; a wine list that's a great read; and that see-and-be-seen vibe."

SBS Eating Guide to Sydney 2005 "Location, location, location!-this is just one of the reasons SBS chairman Carla Zampatti loves Otto. The others are the atmosphere, style, buzz and the food. Right on one of the most beautiful wharves in Sydney, this is one stylish Italian diner."

SMH Good Food Guide 2005 Score 15/20 One Hat Good Wine List "We love sitting in this sultry dark room, with the lines of Campari behind the bar, or out on the deck with views of boats bobbing and the city skyline. It's a great spot for celebrity spotting (who are Lawsie and The Princess dining with tonight?), while a floor team that's chilled, yet attentive, changes gears to match the diner's mood"

Gourmet Traveller Australian Restaurant Guide 2005 * Good Vegetarian Options, Good Wine List "Things aren't what they once were on the wharf. The attitude has softened, which is really a plus, but the excitement levels have lessened, too. The menu reads well"

SMH GFG 2004, Score 16/20,Really Lovely,Good wine list,'the quality of the cooking and service has moved up a notch.There's an impressive delicacy and finesse in dishes that seem to have been made for Sydney weather and a location that's hard to beat on a warm night'

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, 2 Black Stars, Excellent wine list,'The marina location is as slick and addictive as ever but there's a more democratic tone to the dining experience...smart, accessible Mediterranean menu...The wine list is smaller these days, with an emphais on boutique Australian wines and several (expensive) Itailan imports.'

The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Living, 22/4/03, Eat Out, Matthew Evans,'continues to dazzle with delicious Italian food, snappy service and a great location.'