A hopeful trend is coming to Darlinghurst. One with class, skill and sensations.
On each visit to this lovely hidden suburb, I am surprised. A new small bar here, a small eatery there. Darlinghurst is the suburb becoming. Sagra is a sure standout restaurant on a busy corner of main happening strip. Don't be fooled that this little italian on the corner but once your eyes are set upon, you are stunned and surprised in a good way that it has been pulled off.
A small 10+ table restaurant that has embraced a grey wood feel with the warm glow of wall hanging lights, a delightful contrast to the eyes. Certainly an inviting place to dine at. A good pick. But we wanted to sit outside along an edged table that is the barrier to the business.
Straight away seated (reclaimed booking) and a small dish of olives, bread and oil is of course a typical mediterranean start to any meal. I am delighted because this small dish had heart. A torn up menu for its base to soak up any drips of oils or saliva with each peck. But a meal ain't started without a bottle of Chianti. Of course the restaurant had italian wines and they all were. I tried to find something australian but no luck. I knew this place meant business offering you a forced traditional experience. But it was in no way pompous as cute staff members are happy to explain and translate each stages and dishes.
A primi start of tagliatelle with marjoram, lemon & pecorino was a powerful hit of flavours that I would not soon forget. Every single bite was the exact equal of flavours that held onto the last bit of pasta. The sauce just held onto dear life to it. My lips were buzzing with the flavour sensations. More Chianti, more smiles. Started to notice people walking by in front of us looking onto our table and into your dishes with hungry eyes. This was entertainment for us. More so people walking past and stopping to admire this little italian. A quarter ventured in. This way, the place filled up quickly.
A secondi was simple choices. Fish or lamb? White or red? We obviously had picked Lamb with verdure miste to go hand with our favourite bottle of the evening. The portion was think...and soft. Win! Cooked through and through, I'd expect this delicate meat from a rare cooked meat but obviously I was under the assumption they are average quality meat. Bah! I know nothing. Amateur I am. It was delicious was all I could say. The lamb being so so tender I enjoyed it all. It wasn't the first thing I finished with the sides going first. I'm not a fan of eggplant and now I am. Marinated to absolute bliss along with tomatoes mixed in, any longer on the stove would have turned into a sauce. Melts in the mouth. The meat I used to soak up the rest of the plate so I didn't have the crass to lick up the plate.
Upon finishing the bottle with 2 plates cleaned out, I was convinced with ease and a smile to try dessert. I'm expecting decadence. A smashed meringue, peaches & mascarpone is brought out and thats when I dropped my spoon and covered my mouth. "oh my god!" It simply collapsed, melted and fizzed in my mouth with a simple tongue press instead of any chew. A pallet cleans and replaced subtleness of sweet three simple ingredients.
I didn't want to leave and it was already 2 hours. We asked for another bottle but of certain flavours which were instantly understood and brought out. Of course it was poured and tasted to see what it is we wanted but without a doubt it was United Nations standard of translation need for a finishing dining experience. With a three cheese plate, it was all a yes, Yes, YES... and a grappa salute.
Entering at opening time and leaving closing time, a cozy walk away from this little italian restaurant called Sagra thinking and savouring the experience will have me running back. Actually, I ran back because I forgot my jacket thinking about this.
Darlinghurst didn't disappoint yet again and Sagra staff should be congratulated. A everyday changing menu would sure welcome you back and try a whole new again experience. Well done. YUM!
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