Cafe Paci
Sydney, Australia; 131 King Street, Newtown, Sydney NSW 2042, Australia
Cafe Paci reflects the particular imagination of Finnish chef Pasi Petänen. Familiar European forms become starting points for combinations that are playful but carefully judged, with ingredients such as herring providing a link to his background. The restaurant’s à la carte format gives diners freedom to build an evening around a few dishes or settle in for a more substantial meal. On King Street in Newtown, the setting belongs to the neighbourhood’s lively restaurant culture. A seat at the bar can make the experience feel spontaneous, while a table allows time to explore the menu’s contrasts. Potato and molasses bread and the much-discussed carrot sorbet with liquorice cake are documented examples of the kitchen’s ability to make an unexpected pairing feel coherent. Broadsheet and Destination NSW both recognise Cafe Paci’s place in Sydney dining. Its inclusion here reflects the value of a restaurant with an unmistakable personal voice that remains easy to enjoy. It is particularly useful for visitors who want inventive cooking without committing to the structure of a lengthy tasting menu.