We look forward to welcoming you to Machiavelli's!
Make a booking
Contact information
- Location: 123 Clarence St Sydney NSW, 2000
- Phone: 02 9299 3748
- Email: reservations@machiavelli.com.au
Trading hours
Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday.
Open for dinner on Saturday.
Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Let’s Keep in Touch
Google Rating
4.5
4.5
Ermi Isais
03:04 16 Dec 21
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, you’ve come to the right place. The lower ground level makes the atmosphere feel like intimate yet inviting. The red walls are lined with beautiful artwork and black and white photos of celebrities. Staff are friendly and professional. The food is cooked in a classic and traditional way. No obscure, modern twists to the original recipe, just real Italian food. Each dish is delicious and rich with flavour. Great for medium to large groups.
Alexis Howell
01:34 28 Nov 21
Cosy, personable surroundings. Delicious food, friendly, fabulous service. Just a beautiful atmosphere.
Steve Grantham
11:47 15 Nov 21
A lot of the reviews here mention the steak tartare and the algorithm will recognise this review merely for the mention of the dish. But not for what I'm about to say. That it's mince, that it's top side, that it's a dish I'm happy to have eaten once yes, but, sadly, I can't see why I'd eat it again. The waiter seasoned it at the table and it was all very fancy but I just can't help but feel it's inclusion on the menu is a bit dated, something like the menu Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie Chef insists upon. I recognise quality flavour though and the tagliatelle Machiavelli my wife had was delicious. Service was attentive. The who's who of who's eaten at this restaurant (I assume) around the walls subtly reminds me to keep my feet firmly in the middle class section of Sydney life.
ANN VIZZONE
01:21 02 Nov 21
Love this restaurant! The food is sensational, staff were outstanding & the cocktails were beautiful! Highly recommend!
Chris Parrello
21:18 12 Jun 21
An amazing experience… the best traditional Italian food! Amazing wine and champagne!
Great service… thank you
Garry Crowhurst
00:45 11 May 21
Good service coupled with great food from the kitchen.
Excellent wine list - a memorable evening to celebrate my wife birthday.
Machiavelli is now on our list of favourites and we shall be returning soon!
Tim Hansen
01:11 29 Apr 21
Lovely food there, but the noise was dreadful. Some sound baffle panels would have made the night perfect. My ears rang for two days after dinner there.
Staff are outstanding and very attentive indeed.
Niall Mad
09:46 14 Apr 21
I cannot wait to go back. The staff are amazing, not rushed when you order. The food comes out with a nice gap between.
Now the food..... amazing! So fresh and great quality. The wine selection is very good by the glass. The atmosphere is fantastic!!
Severino Milazzo
00:55 13 Apr 21
Dining at Machiavelli's last night brought back very many happy memories of dining at Romano's many years ago. Last night's experience was truly amazing with the quality of the fresh produce - the John Dory was cooked to perfection with the sides of creamed spinach and potato adding to the taste and presentation. Service was excellent , white table cloths and silver service and accompanied by the ambience of photos of our poor modern day imitations of Machiavelli. The menu catered to all tastes and was wide in its coverage. One left captivated by the culinary and visual experience.
Josh Drake
06:19 08 Apr 21
Oh my god - home made pasta that melted in your mouth. Best Italian I have had in a long time. Great atmosphere and knowledgeable team.
Marcia Clarke
05:26 02 Apr 21
Great ambiance, amazing food and courteous staff. Such an amazing food and must say quite quick service. We got the food on table in about 10mins. The food was amazing.. one of the best restaurant in Sydney, I would say. It is located on Angel Pl and there is a Wilson parking just next door, so convenient
Tony
03:37 14 Mar 21
Food and service was exceptional. The best gnocchi I've had in my life! ...melts in your mouth. The beef tartare (with a nice red wine) was also incredible. Ambiance was great. Lots of historical photos. This place is a Sydney Italian restaurant icon.
MarkDavid semaan
10:03 12 Feb 21
Words don't get close to describing this place. The food was exceptional from start to finish and the service very friendly and helpful.
The seafood is very fresh and the best I've had. Everything seems to be prepared fresh after ordered.
You must finish the night with either the tiramisu or creme brulee, if you can't decide you won't be disappointed with both.
We will be back.
Rafael Ali
16:51 01 Feb 21
We came here on a Monday night on the basis of T/A reviews and had a very nice evening. The food was very nice and the pasta servings were large enough to be a meal. The service was friendly and efficient and there were plenty of staff to look after everyone even though the restaurant was basically full. As other reviewers have mentioned, the foyer is adorned with photos of famous guests. We found this quite interesting. Inside the art is large photos of people with a political bent. There was the PM, the Treasurer but also the Packers or Murdochs and Alan Jones. It seems like the display changes over time. It may or may not be to your taste. Overall, a good night.
Javier Tye
13:44 28 Jan 21
We feel like words can not describe our experience. Everything was amazing! From the service of the staff (especially Nicole who made us feel so welcome!) , to the home made pasta, melting meat (we had duck ragout and beef cheek), the wine and dessert. The creme brulee was to die for. All exceeded our expectations in dining out. Best Italian food we have ever had!!! Thank you for such a great experience!!
Kippy Farr
06:51 16 Jan 21
The service and food at Machiavelli were both splendid! The wait staff was very attentive, but not intrusive. They were knowledgeable about the menu items and allergens, which are always a consideration for me. We were shocked that the restaurant didn't fill up the night we were there. We asked one of the locals about it and he said it was one of his favorites as well.
Sam Mete
05:28 28 Dec 20
Authentic Italian cuisine , the best. You can see why it is still going strong. Delicious food, wonderful Italian wine and atmosphere. Highly recommended.
Rona Grogan
11:51 22 Dec 20
Great place. Been going for 20 years never z bad meal yet. Great service
Hana Le
04:12 10 Dec 20
So delicious you must try. It's pricey but worth money. I ordered a homemade pasta and it is so soft, good seasoning and sauce is perfect!
Carma Moreton
18:15 06 Dec 20
Looked through the windows of this place everyday for the last 4 years as getting in the bus. Then had a work lunch here. Very impressed with the food and especially the service. Great ambiance, beautiful fresh perfectly presented and flavoursome food. Loved it. Highly recommend.
Anita Jones
17:09 06 Dec 20
The service and food at Machiavelli were both splendid! The wait staff was very attentive, but not intrusive. They were knowledgeable about the menu items and allergens, which are always a consideration for me. We were shocked that the restaurant didn't fill up the night we were there. We asked one of the locals about it and he said it was one of his favorites as well.
william lopez
10:38 29 Nov 20
One of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney. Somewhat hidden away downstairs on Clarence St. My feet know the way though. Ah, the food. I always go for whatever is listed under the fresh pasta page, although my companion went for steak tartare. Her favourite dish of long standing apparently. Equally awesome as the seafood ravioli. nice
Stephana Djuric
23:46 23 Nov 20
We had a great dinner here to celebrate a birthday. It was very reassuring to see all the appropriate processes in place due to COVID 19 . The food was delicious and the service excellent. A great restaurant!!! Very impressed with the food and especially the service. Great ambiance, beautiful fresh perfectly presented and flavoursome food. Loved it.
Sheffield Spillane
21:23 09 Nov 20
The service and food at Machiavelli were both splendid! The wait staff was very attentive, but not intrusive. They were knowledgeable about the menu items and allergens, which are always a consideration for me. We were shocked that the restaurant didn't fill up the night we were there.
Naomi
21:47 24 Oct 20
Amazing food brought down a notch by sneaky pricing.
The best test for an Italian restaurant is their gnocchi so we ordered - and it was divine. Like eating a tiny cloud! The sauces were amazing and absolutely perfect as well.
Staff were lovely and the atmosphere homely.
The downside was the bill, the prices on the menu are ex GST for some reason. So your bill will have some extra zing to it. Couldn't find anything about this on their website or menu itself. I have dined in many restaurants around Australia and never ever had this before. Not even degustations or any other fine dining.
Anita Williams
14:06 20 Oct 20
We feel like words can not describe our experience. Everything was amazing! From the service of the staff (especially Nicole who made us feel so welcome!) , to the home made pasta, melting meat (we had duck ragout and beef cheek), the wine and dessert. The creme brulee was to die for. All exceeded our expectations in dining out. Best Italian food we have ever had!!! Thank you for such a great experience!!
Mikey Poulson
17:35 11 Oct 20
Looked through the windows of this place everyday for the last 4 years as getting in the bus. Then had a work lunch here. Very impressed with the food and especially the service. Great ambiance, beautiful fresh perfectly presented and flavoursome food. Loved it. Highly recommend.
Eamonn Leighton
11:44 07 Oct 20
Food was the best Italian I've had in Sydney. Everything was sensational and wine was wonderful as well. Kind of wish they didn't have pictures of past dine in-guests (mostly politicians) on the walls, though... must-try just for the food.
Amory Winder
17:37 06 Oct 20
The service and food at Machiavelli were both splendid! The wait staff was very attentive, but not intrusive. They were knowledgeable about the menu items and allergens, which are always a consideration for me. We were shocked that the restaurant didn't fill up the night we were there. We asked one of the locals about it and he said it was one of his favorites as well.
Alec Church
21:39 18 Sep 20
Looked through the windows of this place everyday for the last 4 years as getting in the bus. Then had a work lunch here. Very impressed with the food and especially the service. Great ambiance, beautiful fresh perfectly presented and flavoursome food. Loved it.
Sheree Connell
04:41 17 Sep 20
Great food and service
Bob Zhou
05:48 10 Sep 20
Food is glorious, staff attentive and not intrusive.
Jacobs Ross
05:16 01 Sep 20
The service and food at Machiavelli were both splendid! The wait staff was very attentive, but not intrusive. They were knowledgeable about the menu items and allergens, which are always a consideration for me. We were shocked that the restaurant didn't fill up the night we were there. We asked one of the locals about it and he said it was one of his favorites as well.
Lara Goulding
21:55 29 Jul 20
Absolutely delicious food. High quality staff. I'll be back 🙂
Dino Serrao
09:44 20 Jul 20
Probably one of the best Italian cuisine in Sydney CBD. And I am an Italian fussy customer. Truest me.
Nathan Willick
12:33 18 Jul 20
5 stars, the waiters were so kind and friendly. The food and drinks were amazing I would highly recommend this place for a date for your partner!
Victor Donovic
07:05 17 Jul 20
Lived up to its reputation. Lovely meal great service. Definitely returning
Kevin N
11:53 17 Jun 20
Went here to celebrate fiance's graduation. The steak was amazing, cooked very well. The mash was a dish in itself and was bursting with flavour.
Caroline Geroyan
03:18 13 Jun 20
Love this place! The blue spanner crab pappardelle pasta is unreal! I just wish the portions were bigger when you're paying $40-$50 for a plate of pasta. You almost need to order 2 to become full ... Otherwise so so delicious and amazing.
Eric Tucker
15:37 21 May 20
Rarely di we get to dinner in the city but when we do, Machiavelli in Clarence Street is one of 3 restaurants we go to. Regretfully one of those has closed recently but Machiavelli's has been around for so long it's and establishment restaurant I think. Nothing fancy, just good Italian food that you come to expect. We had the antipasto of course and our group then had some I'd their standard mains such as the tagliatelle ragu. There's a fine selection of seafood to cover from including some market specials. Loved the wine we had Friday night but have forgotten what we chose.
Ashley Backous
05:38 07 May 20
The service and food at Machiavelli were both splendid! The wait staff was very attentive, but not intrusive. They were knowledgeable about the menu items and allergens, which are always a consideration for me. We were shocked that the restaurant didn't fill up the night we were there. We asked one of the locals about it and he said it was one of his favorites as well.
Allen Lane
08:30 30 Mar 20
We feel like words can not describe our experience. Everything was amazing! From the service of the staff (especially Nicole who made us feel so welcome!) , to the home made pasta, melting meat (we had duck ragout and beef cheek), the wine and dessert. The creme brulee was to die for. All exceeded our expectations in dining out. Best Italian food we have ever had!!! Thank you for such a great experience!!
tina mclendon
11:09 15 Mar 20
We feel like words can not describe our experience. Everything was amazing! From the service of the staff (especially Nicole who made us feel so welcome!) , to the home made pasta, melting meat (we had duck ragout and beef cheek), the wine and dessert. The creme brulee was to die for. All exceeded our expectations in dining out. Best Italian food we have ever had!!! Thank you for such a great experience!!
claudia Pizard
10:47 14 Mar 20
Loved this place. The food here is reminiscent of the years gone by. Amazing service . I will certainly come back.
James Webster
10:33 06 Mar 20
Warm hearted, fun and super professional. My guests and I had a wonderful time. Superb food, great wine list and delightful atmosphere. The antipasto misto and zucchini flowers were memorable, actually it all was.
James Webster
10:32 06 Mar 20
Warm hearted, fun and super professional. My guests and I had a wonderful time. Superb food, great wine list and delightful atmosphere. The antipasto misto and zucchini flowers were memorable, actually it all was.
Nancy Garcia
05:53 25 Jan 20
We feel like words can not describe our experience. Everything was amazing! From the service of the staff (especially Nicole who made us feel so welcome!) , to the home made pasta, melting meat (we had duck ragout and beef cheek), the wine and dessert. The creme brulee was to die for. All exceeded our expectations in dining out. Best Italian food we have ever had!!! Thank you for such a great experience!!
Stephen Pettitt
09:38 24 Dec 19
Love this place. Quality food and wine delivered with passion. Ideal for a business lunch.
Con Thanopoulos
13:41 06 Dec 19
Food was good. Xmas party so don't know prices. Service was good. Atmosphere was good.
Lorena Robinson
17:03 05 Dec 19
My partner and I were both in the city so we decided to have dinner at Machiavelli’s. it had been several years since either of us had been, but we had both eaten there many times over the years. I was a little concerned that the restaurant may be a little tired but that simply wasn’t the case. The decor was still unmistakably Machiavelli, with the photo portraits of politicians and business leaders on the walls, and the waiters still in their relatively formal attire. The welcome was very friendly, the staff were attentive throughout the meal, and the food was excellent. If you are looking for simple, authentic Italian food, give this place a try.
Benjamin Barker
12:25 29 Nov 19
Great food. Excellent wait staff. It's a nice authentic Italian restaurant with plenty of history! A great place for small to medium groups to get to know each other over wine and a meal.
Any Draycott
17:07 15 Nov 19
My partner and I were both in the city so we decided to have dinner at Machiavelli’s. it had been several years since either of us had been, but we had both eaten there many times over the years. I was a little concerned that the restaurant may be a little tired but that simply wasn’t the case. The decor was still unmistakably Machiavelli, with the photo portraits of politicians and business leaders on the walls, and the waiters still in their relatively formal attire. The welcome was very friendly, the staff were attentive throughout the meal, and the food was excellent. If you are looking for simple, authentic Italian food, give this place a try.
Ilona Cheema
12:47 14 Nov 19
I just been there tonight. The food was super nice, my spachcock cooked to perfection. Beautiful pasta and ragu. But the bread was cold on the table and there was no butter. But we used olive oil instead :). I read the reviews before. Someone mentioned the bread being cold too. Common guys, just serve it when people arrive, nice and warm and crusty. The service was good. I was not focused on if the waiters were smiling or not. Like some previous comments. They were good and they came wen u called them, they served our food in time. That's what matters.
Patrick Blacker
13:45 04 Nov 19
Attended an event here recently and have to say, the staff, food and setup were simply incredible, the food was plentiful and executed to a premium quality. Will definitely be considering Machiavelli for future events due to it's versatility as a space, and the stellar food, drinks and service.
megan akers
09:40 19 Oct 19
I never thought the best Italian food I’d ever have would be in Australia! Here in Sydney, on my honeymoon, from Texas.. we travel all the time and we always try the Italian food.. this is the best so far! Great service, very authentic, staff is all from Italy and very kind. Food was second to none in Australia! Must taste and experience, thought I was IN Italy 🇮🇹
Alicia Reveley
02:04 07 Oct 19
This would have to be in my top three Italian (if not of all cuisine) places to eat in Sydney. I have never not had a meal here to die for! Not being open on weekend doesn't phase me at all - good on them. I cant wait to get back there now thats its getting chilly and to have a delicious meal over bottle of red. Staff are super friendly too.
Alicia Reveley
02:04 07 Oct 19
This would have to be in my top three Italian (if not of all cuisine) places to eat in Sydney. I have never not had a meal here to die for! Not being open on weekend doesn't phase me at all - good on them. I cant wait to get back there now thats its getting chilly and to have a delicious meal over bottle of red. Staff are super friendly too.
Jon Schmidt
12:06 23 Sep 19
A very strong, classic Italian restaurant. Great menu, kitchen, staff, wine, all in genuine tradition.
Timothy Balmain
17:09 14 Sep 19
Good food, nice atmosphere, maybe a bit more than I would like to pay but was good.
Ash S
19:50 11 Sep 19
The food is amazing and the service is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the succulent duck ragu and the smoothness of the cocktails. Would definitely go back again.
Ash S
19:50 11 Sep 19
The food is amazing and the service is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the succulent duck ragu and the smoothness of the cocktails. Would definitely go back again.
Kimberley Kells
09:37 05 Sep 19
I'VE FOUND IT!
THE👏BEST👏GNOCCHI👏IN👏SYDNEY👏!!! These pillows of dreamy gnocchi have the texture of mashed potato that are someway somehow just holding together! When you pop one of these bad boys into your mouth they simply melt away and you are left with the lingering flavour of gorgonzola sauce which is so rich and indulgent, it's the stuff of legends! Just wow. The very talented chefs at Machiavelli are gnocchi magicians! Well done!
Annie Jackson
18:34 03 Sep 19
I actually don't want to share this restaurant with anyone because everything is so fabulous, food, wine, atmosphere, and service. But just to honor them, I need to write something. I will make sure to go back there every time I visit Sydney. If you don't want to make a reservation, maybe going there a bit later. Otherwise, reservation is a good idea.
Leighton Tinsley
11:52 30 Aug 19
We shared zucchini flowers as an appetiser and they were absolutely melt-in-the-mouth. I had the grilled snapper as a main while my partner had the veal. My snapper was perfectly cooked and accompanied by creamed spinach and a very detailed and delicious potato dish. My partner was very happy with her veal. The service was attentive, the bread on arrival perfect. We arrived before their opening time (unusually good traffic flow!) but they were very warm and accommodating. I agree with some other diners that the photos are overdone. I had to look at ScoMo all evening and Peter Fitz on the way to the loo!
Margaret Gardiner
06:19 14 Jul 19
We have ‘long-lunched’ here several times recently with 3 courses and a lovely bottle of accompanying vino.
Food superb and service absolutely attentive without intrusion..My ‘Go-To’ restaurant I decided !!
Last week we wanted simply a glass of red, share an entree and a main each with fairly quick exit. I wondered how the experience would work out or if we should have decided on an option elsewhere. We were not treated any differently ... superb food and same expert service despite a much smaller bill at the end of the lunch.
As I said ... my absolute Go-To Restaurant surpassing Lucio and Pendolino.
Highly recommend this restaurant.
MG and Noel Robinson
Victoria Vartuli
12:15 08 Jul 19
Good service for a high end Italian restaurant where the prices are quite steep for simple Italian food. We had various entrees, pasta and the minute steak, followed by desserts. Many people rate this restaurant as amazing, but they are not Italian so wouldn’t put too much credibility on their review.
My mother in law’s pasta is a mile ahead of this. Simple food, nothing phenomenal and definitely didn’t think it was worth the $340 price tag for 2 people (incl. 1 beer and 1 glass wine). We can tick this place off our bucket list, but wouldn’t return.
Victoria Vartuli
12:15 08 Jul 19
Good service for a high end Italian restaurant where the prices are quite steep for simple Italian food. We had various entrees, pasta and the minute steak, followed by desserts. Many people rate this restaurant as amazing, but they are not Italian so wouldn’t put too much credibility on their review.
My mother in law’s pasta is a mile ahead of this. Simple food, nothing phenomenal and definitely didn’t think it was worth the $340 price tag for 2 people (incl. 1 beer and 1 glass wine). We can tick this place off our bucket list, but wouldn’t return.
Nick Wong
10:53 26 Jun 19
Authentic Italian in the CBD. The venue gives off the right vibe and makes for a decent work lunch or dinner date option.
Priced well and taste on point. Suggest trying the seafood dishes.
Ben Drury
01:12 21 Jun 19
It's an upmarket Italian restaurant, with impressive desserts, a bar and high class table service. The entree was delicious, and the mains looked delicious, but the prices were quite steep. The serving size was large for the meals others were enjoying.
Ben Drury
01:12 21 Jun 19
It's an upmarket Italian restaurant, with impressive desserts, a bar and high class table service. The entree was delicious, and the mains looked delicious, but the prices were quite steep. The serving size was large for the meals others were enjoying.
Marc Hodgson
09:34 30 May 19
Amazing service . Very few places nail all a aspects- food flavour and value, wait times, and level of service. We came in at a quiet time but the restaurant was full very quickly and attentiveness did not change. Food was amazing. Worth every cent
Victoria Jackson
10:37 27 May 19
This would have to be in my top three Italian (if not of all cuisine) places to eat in Sydney. I have never not had a meal here to die for! Not being open on weekend doesn't phase me at all - good on them. I cant wait to get back there now thats its getting chilly and to have a delicious meal over bottle of red. Staff are super friendly too.
Ingy Dee
14:09 17 Apr 19
Came here with a couple of girlfriends and the food did not disappoint .. we were too full for dessert so we will have to go back
The ambiance is great, it did get surprisingly busy on a Monday night.
They got a 4 star because the service was a little lacking. Our server was not very friendly and we had to hail a few of them down to finally get our bill. That was disappointing considering how much we enjoyed the meals
foodbloggeraustralia
02:01 23 Feb 19
From the moment you walk into Machiavelli Ristorante you feel welcomed like a family member. This venue definitely ticks the boxes!
From the delicious entrees, to the beautiful mains to the decadent desserts, you will definitely enjoy mouthwatering bite!
Highly recommend and definitely rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
foodbloggeraustralia .
08:40 21 Feb 19
From the moment you walk into Machiavelli Ristorante you feel welcomed like a family member. This venue definitely ticks the boxes!
From the delicious entrees, to the beautiful mains to the decadent desserts, you will definitely enjoy mouthwatering bite!
Highly recommend and definitely rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ash Im
08:23 16 Nov 18
I had travelled around Italy a few times now but the best gnocchi I've had is from this lovely restaurant in Sydney CBD. The waitstaff and host are very welcoming. I'll go back in a heartbeat.
Anthony Morabito
10:43 02 Nov 18
Excellent cuisine. Very nice waiting staff.
Surprisingly got a spot outside the restaurant (ticket parking).
Overall very good experience.
Rachelle Sassine
22:26 10 Oct 18
WOW, Just Wow! Last night I dined in at Machiavelli Sydney for the first time and I cant believe how impressed I was. I ordered the Beautiful Zucchini flowers, Grilled Snapper with Saffron Butter Sauce and the best Ravioli I have eaten in a long time. Literally melted in my mouth with a beautiful wine to match.
Also, the service was exceptional, the staff, the chef and the management really make you feel like family. Best Italian Restaurant Sydney, hands down. Remember this face, I will be back - thank you.
Kylie Bannister
06:12 08 Aug 18
This is an absolute winner. Food was extremely delicious. Good wine selection. Service is top class, fast and professional. Waitress and waiters are all very nice, always smiling.
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