Distinct for its equal emphasis on affordability, atmosphere and cuisine, Sydney’s Beccafico Bar & Trattoria would love visitors to believe that the design of the space was an afterthought. And while the raw, modern decor of the Surry Hills restaurant is successful in remaining an unobtrusive yet stylish backdrop, the interiors — pulled together by local studio Matt Wood Design — tell their own unique story, marrying the three distinct concepts of Italian, beachside and Scandinavian.
A stripped-back aesthetic is the consistent theme through all three approaches in a space where timbers sit alongside dark woods and bare bricks, and low tables and rattan-back seating take on an unexpectedly sultry ambience, thanks to circular tube lighting, uniformly lined up along the walls. The laid-back beach vibe emerges via decorative plants, a timber boardwalk leading diners into the space and joinery components made from recycled and fire charred hardwoods, which reflect the textures and colours of the country’s famous shores. The result is a space that seamlessly joins all three concepts together to work as one cohesive entity for a relaxed vibe that often spills out into the restaurant’s courtyard.
The same approach is applied to the menu, devised by Head Chef Diego Arata, which puts an unmistakably Aussie twist on a series of southern Italian dishes. Brunch options are given a reboot with Italian ingredients — see the smashed avocado with house-smoked provolone and gremolata on toast — and vice versa at dinner, with offerings such as roasted spatchcock with rosemary, chilli, garlic, heirloom carrots and spring onion.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
187 Phillip Street Waterloo
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Lo Scoglio: an Australian vacation rental with regenerative principlesTucked in Byron Bay’s hinterland, an Italian-style farmhouse presents a modern take on legacy and a nature-filled lifestyle
-
Five influential women hoteliers reflect on the changing face of hospitalityAs women continue to gain ground in the hotel sector, despite still being underrepresented in senior positions, five female moguls share their experiences of the past and projections for the future
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Melbourne Place: ‘an alchemy of colour, texture and personality’Designed by Kennedy Nolan, Melbourne Place is the Australian city’s newest independent hotel, oozing creativity and urban energy
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeysStay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
-
Six hotels where you’ll find the winter sun this FebruaryFrom intimate seaside inns to lush tropical resorts, here are six Wallpaper*-approved winter sun escapes
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
-
The world’s most enticing new hotel openingsExplore the best new hotels in the world, from the revival of a grande dame in Madrid to the restoration of a gothic beauty in Prague
-
Australian surf culture merges with the charm of the Mediterranean at Il DelfinoIl Delfino, designed by Sheree Commerford, is a restored 1940s seaside inn nestled on the Yamba coastline in Australia
