Orazio D'Elia's culinary journey is a captivating tale of serendipity and a love for Italian cuisine. With a penchant for returning to familiar places, D'Elia has now opened Trattoria Da Orazio in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney. This restaurant is a homecoming of sorts, as it occupies a space that was once home to Marta, and before that, Popolo, where D'Elia began his culinary career as a young chef. The story of Trattoria Da Orazio is one of regional Italian classics and a celebration of D'Elia's journey through Italy's diverse culinary landscape.
What makes Trattoria Da Orazio truly special is its menu, which is a tour of regional Italian classics. The small bites, or antipasti, are a delightful array of cured, aged, and preserved foods. From marinated Cerignola green olives to Abruzzo-style fried cheese with honey and truffle, and Calabrian baby peppers filled with tuna mousse and 'ndujella, the antipasti are a feast for the senses. The rest of the menu is a celebration of regional Italian cuisine, with dishes like zuppetta di Nonno Salvatore, bombette Pugliesi, spaghetti Napoletano, and tonnarelli alla zozzona. D'Elia's love for ragu is evident, and he plans to pay homage to the different variations of ragu from various regions of Italy on Sundays.
The fit-out of Trattoria Da Orazio is designed to evoke a family restaurant, with a pared-back space clad in greens and deep browns. The long central bar and antique dining table add to the intimate and homey atmosphere. D'Elia's attention to detail and his love for the old-school Italian trattoria experience are evident in every corner of the restaurant. The retro patterned tiles, the old piano, and the antique dining table all contribute to the lived-in atmosphere that D'Elia hopes to create.
In my opinion, Trattoria Da Orazio is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and a celebration of D'Elia's culinary journey. The menu is a delightful tour of regional Italian classics, and the fit-out is a nod to the old-school Italian trattoria experience. D'Elia's passion for Italian cuisine and his love for familiar places are evident in every dish and every corner of the restaurant. Trattoria Da Orazio is a true homecoming for D'Elia, and it is a testament to his love for Italian cuisine and his desire to share it with the world.
