Machiavelli

Machiavelli needs no introduction. It's reputation has been flourished by the high rollers and politicians of Sydney and with that, expect to pay the high prices.

Tradition and familiarity are key aspects of Machiavelli's success. Old men, all groomed well in black suits and bow ties fuss about the preparation table while others wait tables. The menu is small but has the fine usuals including Bolognese and Steak Diane. We started off with some smoked salmon, served fresh with generous amounts of capers and thinly sliced onion.

atlantic smoked salmon served with lemon, capers and onion The fried zucchini flowers were delicious too. The innards were filled with a gorgeous ricotta blend and the blossoms were airy and crisp.

zucchini flowers

bread, balsamic and olive oil I ordered the fusilli crab as my main. Tender flakes of crab meat were intertwined with a creamy white wine sauce. It was a huge serving but was it $38's worth?

fusilli crab - crab meat with white wine and cream spiced with chilli, garlic and chives Funnily enough, we had walked past a McDonald's on our way here... and the French Fries were exactly reminiscent of that. They were identically fried to a golden brown crunch, but served in a cute iron pan.

french fries My companion had the pepper steak which was a perfect medium-rare...

pepper steak

The gallery of influential men speaks for itself... Lachlan Murdoch, John Symond... pity I didn't see anyone I could recognise! The strawberries were irresistible... All night, I watched as they were picked, cut and flamed over a blue light. MmMmmm...

ice-cream and flamed strawberries We walked out, full as can be... greeting and waving to some old Italian friends. Machiavelli isn't a place you'd go daily... not unless it was a business-paid-for expense of course. Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano 123 Clarence St Sydney Monday -Friday 12 noon - 2:30pm & 6 - 9 pm Closed weekends and Public Holidays Tel: 9299-3748 Web: www.machiavelli.com.au