Ormeggio At The Spit Mosman NSW

Risotto with pumpkin flavours, graced by Parmesan drops and a balsamic vinegar.

Chef Allesandro Pavoni has consistently offered modern Italian culinary dishes which still echo the best of the northern regions of Italy.  His base of creativity and culinary delight is also iconic, near the Spit Bridge, in one of lower North Shore Sydney's most coveted spots, blessed by panoramic scenery, easy access from the city centre and yet offering diners a wonderful refuge from city life.


I could see the vehicular traffic across the Spit Bridge from our table.    My group of three  was pretty looking forward to an evening of a surprise menu offering, willingly open to what the Chef had in mind, whim and seasonal produce  - instead of being subject to a regularly repeated menu.   It was a five course affair, a starter, two mains and closed by two dessert items - the Stressless Sunday Dinner!


The greet staff set the engaging tone, and before very course dish, we were explained to in gusto and detail as to what we were about to discover, saviour and experience.   I must say it was not a degustation, with more than ample servings of each offering.  


I absolutely loved the Prawn Tartare, garnished by parsley oil, presented in a white plate which displayed an exquisite placing of ingredients.  At the other end of the spectrum for us that evening was the Risotto flavoured with pumpkin, highlighted by Parmesan and graced with balsamic vinegar  - in this instance the Risotto itself had a harder texture than I appreciated.   Apart from that, we also had King George Whiting, Granita with Lemoncelli and a sweet dessert utilising Ricotta.    The organic sourdough was terrific as an opener - the Bagna Cauda - accompanied by an anchovy based dip.


Lighting in the restaurant was heavily subdued which can contribute to the ambiance  - here we were, huddled around our sole table lamp, and the scene is repeated across the sizeable dining area.    I did not feel as if I am placed on planks above water (Ormeggio refers to moorings in Italiano ) - and the washrooms are a delight, with careful and thoughtful touches of luxury and accessory.  


I must say it was not easy for first timers to find the way to the restaurant entrance, as currently there is much renovation work surrounding the Ormeggio,   Once inside, we are embraced by vistas of the marinas, Sydney Middle Harbour and Pearl Bay.    Tables are tastefully separated by a good measure of personal space and this is appreciated.   As the evening wore on to close the weekend, more and more diners turned up as we commenced our visit early on a winter's evening when sunset was just after 5pm,  but it had indeed been a relatively welcoming warm night.


Sommelier Jeremy Croft directs the wine list at the Ormeggio, with choices that take a diner through the various wine growing regions of Italy, a rather unique experience.




The Ormeggio visited is located at the D'Albora Marinas, The Spit, Mosman NSW, with paid parking available on the same side of the Marinas.   

Opening hours are from 6pm to 10pm on Wednesdays; from 12 noon to 3pm and from 6pm to 10pm on Thursdays and Fridays; from 12 noon to 3pm and from 530pm to 10pm on Saturdays; and from 12 noon to 3pm and from 6pm to 10pm on Sundays.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Contact +61 2 9969 4088


My impressions of the Ormeggio at the Spit Bridge, Mosman NSW:
Ambiance:  4 out of 5

Customer Engagement: 4.5 out of 5
Culinary Delight:  4 out of 5
X Factor:   3.5 out out of 5
Overall:     4  out of 5


The Sydney Morning Herald has awarded two Chef Hats to Ormeggio annually since 2013, after first attaining one Chef Hat since opening in 2009 and rising to two Chef Hats in 2012.

The Ormeggio is listed as no. 24 in the current rankings of the top 100  Australian restaurants  as provided by Gourmet Traveller Australia.