Sydney diners are a lucky bunch. A new restaurant opens at least every week and no matter what type of cuisine your craving you won’t need to travel too far before your desire is satisfied. So with an abundance of hot, new restaurants full of buzz and intrigue do we make time to consider old favourites that have been around for years? Bei Amici in Darling Point is one such hidden gem i’ve walked past many times. I’ve always been curious about this small Swiss/Italian restaurant tucked away just off New South Head Road bustling with people every night of the week.
Swiss and Italian restaurant? Yes, you read correctly. Head Chef and owner Felix Rutz is Swiss-born with a passion for Italian cuisine. As Switzerland and Italy are bordering countries it’s quite common in Europe for these cultures to collide. Felix’s wife Leigh runs the floor and together they create a sense of family amongst their loyal staff. This, in turn, attracts regulars who dine at the restaurant every week and have done so for over seven years. The menu changes almost daily depending on seasonal produce. For our Secret Foodies dinner, the focus was on regional Tuscan food.
We started the night with Solerno Negronis and chicken liver costinis as we enjoyed the warm weather outside on the pavement. We then took our seats and enjoyed focaccia with raisins and olive oil. For entrees, we had Tuscan bean soup and octopus and cuttlefish salad with pinenuts matched perfectly with a glass of rose. Dessert was Torrone Semi Freddo, baked peach with amaretti crumbs with a glass of Veitt Cascinetta Moscato and was absolutely delicious. The guy next to me was literally licking his plate. Busted.
The secret is out about Bei Amici if you haven’t been there before do yourself a favour and experience authentic Italian cuisine and warm and inviting hospitality. If you’ve been there before- sorry, you’re about to get an influx of hungry foodies threatening your regular table.