Fantastic experience! Had a stunning lunch here in August and we have to say that is the most intelligent, elegant food we have had for years. The restaurant has a great casual vibe, excellent staff and service and a Newtown edge, however the food was next level! A big shout out to the crab blini, it looked stunning, was light as clouds and we had one of those moments of silence where you think where am I, how did they do this! A must do experience. Lunch 30 Aug
Overview
At the heart of Newtown, nestled on 131 King St, lies Cafe Paci, a vibrant eatery that offers a unique blend of modern cuisine with a twist. The atmosphere inside this intimate cafe is always buzzing, thanks to its welcoming vibe and the enticing aroma of freshly prepared dishes. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Newtown, this is definitely the place to visit.
When you step into Cafe Paci, you’re immediately hit with a warm, inviting atmosphere that mixes modern minimalism with comfort. The decor is tastefully done, offering a clean yet cozy setting that encourages you to sit back and relax. It’s clear that attention to detail matters here, not only in the restaurant’s design but also in the food and service.
The menu is a delightful exploration of both local and international flavors, carefully crafted by a talented team of chefs. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely multi-course meal, Cafe Paci delivers every time. The ingredients are fresh, and many dishes feature seasonal produce, allowing for variety and surprises each time you visit.
One of the standout dishes at Cafe Paci is their signature smoked mackerel. It’s a perfect example of how the kitchen balances bold flavors with finesse. The mackerel is smoky and tender, paired with subtle accompaniments that enhance its rich flavor. It’s a dish that stands out not only because of its unique flavor but also because of the careful presentation that you’ll find in every dish at Cafe Paci.
What makes Cafe Paci even more special is their commitment to offering a range of options for various dietary preferences. Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or have specific food intolerances, the menu caters to all, with each dish offering a unique spin on familiar favorites. This inclusivity adds to the appeal of the restaurant, making it an easy choice for group gatherings where everyone can find something to enjoy.
For those who are interested in something a little more indulgent, Cafe Paci also has an impressive range of desserts. The rich, creamy panna cotta with its delicate vanilla flavor is a favorite among regulars. It’s the perfect way to end a meal here, leaving you feeling satisfied but not overly full-ideal for when you want to stay a little longer and enjoy a relaxing drink.
The service at Cafe Paci is exceptional. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always eager to offer recommendations if you're unsure of what to choose from the menu. They are knowledgeable about the dishes and the wine list, ensuring that your dining experience is seamless from start to finish. Whether it's your first visit or you're a regular, the service feels personalized, adding to the overall feeling of being at home in this cozy Newtown gem.
As for location, Cafe Paci couldn't be more convenient. Situated on King Street, one of the most bustling areas of Newtown, it’s easy to pop in for a meal after a day of shopping or exploring the local culture. The street itself is lined with quirky shops, bars, and other eateries, so it’s also a great spot to make a day or evening out of it. Whether you're just passing through or planning a special outing, Cafe Paci offers a perfect pit stop in this eclectic part of Sydney.
But don’t just take my word for it-Cafe Paci has earned rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. It consistently ranks as one of the top dining spots in Newtown, and with good reason. The balance of flavor, service, and ambiance makes it stand out in a city that’s known for its vibrant food scene.
What really sets Cafe Paci apart is its ability to adapt while staying true to its roots. The restaurant regularly updates its menu to reflect seasonal changes, ensuring that there’s always something new to try. Yet, they maintain a strong connection to the core flavors that have earned them a loyal following. This mix of consistency and innovation is something that keeps customers coming back.
If you haven't yet visited Cafe Paci, it's time to put it on your list. Whether you're coming for a casual meal or a special celebration, this restaurant in Newtown offers a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression. From the fresh, delicious food to the top-notch service, Cafe Paci proves that great things come in small, charming packages.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Dine-in âś“ Delivery âś“ TakeawayHighlights
âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine listPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Lunch reservations recommended âś“ Reservations required âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a waitPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 730 reviews
This is my top 5 restaurant globally. Calling it a cafe is modest for the quality of food that this place produces. This should be an Australian institution. The food is perfection… modern contemporary with hints of Asian flavours. These guys at paci make me upset that I don’t live in Sydney so I can come every other day. Everytime I am in Sydney this is the first place and last place I hit. Must order the kingfish carpaccio, the prawns (omg the prawns), and the decadent cocktails. I am flying there now. Arghghh!
It’s been a while since I rated a place 5/5! I’m actually not sure where to start. Ok firstly the warm welcome from Georgia was so nice. Seated at one of Shiela’s tables was just pure luck! Dinner - starters the incredible rye bread and creamed butter. Followed by the Barrata mini calzones, tender asparagus in the must scrumptious cream and finally the tuna with blood orange segments. If that wasn’t enough to blow your mind - the most tender of silky carpaccio with organic rocket and Parmesan was sensational. The finale for us was the plate of cauliflower steak with burnt butter and garlic. We spoke about this dinner all the way home and it was tough choosing our best dish. Only regret is not having the space for dessert. Huge thanks to Celia, Cam and the team for what can only be described as my treat out for the month. Thank you.
We eat out a lot. Without doubt one of the best meals and service we have experienced in eons. Here’s a heads up to the uncountable amount of cafes and restaurants who truly believe their food and service meets the grade - take your team to Cafe Paci - best lesson ever!!! As a former hospo at many levels in the food and wine industry…we were blown away. Thank you Cafe Paci. And a special shout out to Tori and Cam - consummate professionals.
From start to finish, our dinner here was just a fantastic experience. The restaurant has a super cool and vibrant atmosphere without being overwhelming, making it the perfect spot for a special night out. We'd heard great things, and Cafe Paci absolutely delivered on all fronts. The food was the real star of the show. You can tell a lot of thought and creativity goes into every single dish. We loved everything we tried; each plate was inventive, beautifully presented, and packed with flavour. It’s the kind of meal you talk about for days after. To top it all off, the service was wonderful. Everyone was so friendly and attentive, which really completed the perfect dining experience. It's rare to find a place where the food, the vibe, and the staff are all this good. Can't wait to be back again soon!
Lovely venue, well priced menu. Absolutely loved the ox tongue taco and brown butter scallop ravioli, and I appreciated the portion as ravioli dishes usually come with an average of four pieces . The fish dish was quite average. I’d visit again to sample more of the menu!
Quite possibly one of my absolute favourite restaurants in Australia. Visited for the first time last week on a Friday night and it exceeded all expectations. Every dish was incredible - no lulls in courses or improvements needed. Loved the holistic balance of flavours while the punchiness of the star ingredients really shone through (I'm going to need to get myself some calabrian chilli's for my own pantry...). They somehow even transformed asparagus into one of my favourite dishes of the night (a hard task, as everything was so good). All in all, a fantastic restaurant with a a comfortable yet slightly upscale ambience and exceptionally warm service.
It is i think best value and food for 2 hatted restaurant in sydney. Delicious food, surprisingly good portions, good wine list, friendly and efficient service. You can dress up or just walk in with your casual dress. Highly recommended!