TL;DR | Summary
Bistecca is famous for its no mobile phone policy and for serving only T-bone steak as the main dish. It's the only restaurant in Sydney to enforce such a strict setting, but as a result, it offers a dining experience shrouded in delightful mystery. The steak can be customised by weight and is complemented by a variety of entrees, salads, and sides. Arrive early to enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the bar in the waiting area before your meal.
Bistecca Review
Bistecca is an absolute gem for steak lovers on the corner of Dalley Street, Sydney. The dark, dimly lit setting establishes a warm, intimate atmosphere from the moment you step in. The dining space, decorated with checkered floors and wooden tables, conveys a rustic charm that pairs well with the open kitchen area, where you can watch the steaks being cooked on the flame.
If you arrive early, you'll be ushered into their bar area, where plenty of pre-drinks options await, including wine, beer, and cocktails.
One of Bistecca's standout and notable features is its no-phone policy. They take your phone away and lock it inside a wooden shelf to encourage you to fully immerse yourself in the dining experience. It's a bold move that pays off by allowing diners to truly connect with their companions and enjoy every moment of their meal.
While it can be challenging for modern society and poses a hindrance for professional food bloggers like myself, it's refreshing to be fully present with your fellow diners.
As for the Bistecca menu, it is as straightforward as it gets. It consists of only T-bone steak as the main, with a delightful assortment of entrees, salads, and sides to complement it. Despite its simplicity, the quality and execution of each dish are impeccable, making Bistecca a must-visit for any steak enthusiast.
A Classic Italian Steak House & Cocktail Bar
The food at Bistecca, while simple, is nothing short of noteworthy. Each menu item has been considered, with entrees and sides accompanying your steak. Every dish we ordered was delightful, and we had a great experience. The service is also attentive and friendly, adding to the overall charm of the restaurant. The only downside is their strict no mobile phone/photo-taking policy.
Here's what we had:
Bellini Cocktail
A Prosecco Peach cocktail that acts as a refreshing start to the evening with a delightful balance of bubbles and peachy sweetness. I recommend arriving early to start pre-drinks with your dining companion on a social note.
Bread and Butter
The only butter in Sydney to be made into a wax candle. This unique concept allows you to eat their house-made butter as it melts from the lit-up candle. It's both a fantastic idea and an incredibly delicious one at that, too.
Baked Ricotta Gnocchi
This rare dish combines ricotta gnocchi with eggplant, goat's cheese, and tomato. The softness of the gnocchi pairs delightfully with the rich, tangy flavours of eggplant and goat's cheese. It's a light cheese pasta with vegetables, making it a suitable entree choice.
T-Bone Steak
The steaks here are weighed to the gram, allowing you to choose how much steak you want, priced per 100g. They are freshly grilled, sliced and typically cooked medium rare (though you can request your preferred doneness). I prefer medium rare for its juicy, flavourful beef, making it the meal's highlight.
Roast Potatoes
The version I had comes with fermented chilli aioli. These roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the spicy, tangy aioli spruces them up. We can't go wrong with potatoes with our steak now, can we?
Brussel Sprouts
These brussel sprouts are roasted, charred, and then topped with Pecorino and sour cream. They're absolutely delicious. If you enjoy crunchy vegetables, I recommend always opting for them. The combination of Pecorino and sour cream makes this my favourite dish at Bistecca.
Witlof Salad
Witlof salad with leafy greens, Parmesan cheese, house-made dressing, and crumbed bread. It's a delightful mix of bitter witlof, fresh greens, sharp Parmesan, and crunchy buttery breadcrumbs, all perfectly tied together. It's a refreshing salad that hits the spot for freshness.
RECOMMENDED
- Arriving early to enjoy pre-drinks at the bar
- Try the Bellini Cocktail, or your preferred mix
- Don't miss the bread-and-butter candle
- Must have is the T-bone steak (I'm sure that's why you'd visit)
- Order the Brussels sprouts
Final Words
Bistecca offers a dining experience that's as memorable as it is mysterious. While the no-phone policy might seem like a challenge (especially for someone like me), it also brings a refreshing change, allowing you to fully appreciate the food and warm atmosphere. Each dish, especially the T-bone steak and Brussels sprouts, showcases the restaurant's commitment to a menu focused on quality and flavour. If you're a steak lover and can live without the phones or camera for a bit, Bistecca is an intimate spot to try at least once in Sydney.
Where to find Bistecca Sydney
Address
Hours
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Website
Phone
+61 2 8067 0450
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You are a master at getting them photos in despite the no-phone policy/no cameras allowed.
I would be down for those Brussel Sprouts as well and the T-Bone Steak looks scrumptious
Hehe I was literally in incognito mode determine to get some photos here
Hehe I was definitely in incognito mode when I trying to take some photos