The first of several exciting new dining establishments set to launch in the next year.
The Star Sydney is set to open a casual Italian eatery, Cucina Porto, on 25 November. Celebrating the conviviality and relaxed charm of Italian hospitality, Cucina Porto will serve simple and honest Italian food with an unpretentious spirit. It is the first of several new dining establishments due to open in the complex in the coming year, as The Star Sydney continues to expand its diverse food precinct and reinvigorate Pyrmont as Sydney’s most vibrant dining and entertainment destination.
Located opposite the Sydney Lyric Theatre, Cucina Porto will be an Italian home away from home; a laidback and fuss-free cucina where the food is generous, and the good times are plenty. Executive Chef Martino Pulito (ex Morrison Bar & Oyster Room) has drawn on his heritage, including inspiration from his family recipes and his hometown of Puglia, to deliver a simple, pared-back menu that heroes exceptional local produce. Guests can expect classic Italian snacks, pizzas and generous bowls of pasta (all under $30) – each dish delivered with care and passion synonymous with Italian cuisine.
The Star’s award-winning bar manager Behzad Nvaziri has created a drinks list of fresh Italian classics, complete with a special Negroni progression menu. House wines, curated by sommelier Addy Lam, will showcase a selection of Italian and Australian-produced Italian wines.
The familiar charm of Chef Pulito’s cooking echoes throughout the modern dining area and semi-open kitchen. Framed artscapes represent the regions the menu has been inspired by, while open shelves hero fresh tomatoes, olive oils and lemons. The end result is a restaurant that is fun, fuss-free and familiar – one that celebrates an inherent Italian desire to open the home and share the table.
Cucina Porto, which is set to deliver an additional 30 hospitality jobs when fully operational, is the first of several dining establishments set to open over the next 12 months, joining recently opened Middle Eastern concept Bar Tikram. The Star Sydney is transforming former retail outlets into inspiring food and drink destinations as part of its $500 million capital works investment program, with more concepts to be announced soon.
Notably, the launch of Cucina Porto coincides with the arrival of the long-awaited Broadway musical, Pippin, at the Lyric Theatre, helping to usher in the return of theatre and entertainment to Sydney’s cultural scene after a devastating year.
George Hughes, Chief Marketing Officer The Star Entertainment Group, said: “We are excited that we can end the year with the launch of a new restaurant following the hardships the hospitality industry has faced in 2020. Cucina Porto will celebrate the importance of sharing special moments around the dining table with friends and family. With further concepts set to open in the near future, The Star Sydney is proud to deliver an inspiring and ever-growing food precinct that reflects the cultural diversity of our community and creates continued opportunities for local hospitality talent”.
Further details on the launch of Cucina Porto will be announced soon.
Cucina Porto
Opens at The Star Sydney
25 November