For those seeking creative food in Sydney, Café Paci in Newtown is a top pick. This restaurant offers a modern and seasonal menu. Every dish has bold flavors, unique twists, and top-quality ingredients.
The Café Paci menu is not your average dining experience. It blends Nordic, Italian, and Australian styles. From snacks to desserts, everything is carefully made and full of flavor.
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What is Cafe Paci Menu?
Café Paci’s menu is a vibrant celebration of seasonal, inventive dishes that fuse Nordic, Italian, and Australian flavours. To start, it features a variety of small plates—like devilled eggs topped with trout roe and fermented carrot on rye—alongside larger shared dishes, such as potato dumplings with XO trout and raw tuna paired with pomelo.
You’ll also find heartier mains, including Skull Island king prawns in black pepper butter and a Black Angus steak frites with sauce Diane. The menu rounds out with creative desserts like carrot sorbet with yoghurt and licorice. Every item is thoughtfully crafted, and the menu changes frequently to highlight fresh, local produce and bold flavour combinations.
What Makes Café Paci Special?
Chef Pasi Petänen brings his Finnish roots into every dish. He mixes it with local Australian produce. This creates a fusion you won’t find anywhere else.
The setting is casual but stylish. You’ll enjoy fine-dining flavors without the formal feel. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
The Café Paci changes with the seasons. This keeps the food fresh and exciting for returning guests.
The Creative Food Philosophy of Cafe Paci Menu
At the heart of Café Paci is Pasi Petänen, a Finnish-born chef whose love for Sydney’s food scene shines in every bite. He combines fine-dining techniques with casual dining vibes. The restaurant operates in a relaxed setting, but every plate tells a gourmet story. The Café Paci menu changes with the seasons, making every visit unique and exciting.
Chef Pasi’s approach is rooted in creativity, precision, and bold experimentation. In particular, he draws inspiration from his Nordic heritage while also embracing Australian ingredients and multicultural influences. This mix results in dishes that feel familiar yet completely fresh.
Small Bites and Snacks
The menu begins with small dishes and snacks. These are perfect for sharing or trying a variety of tastes. They are flavorful and beautifully presented.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Potato & Molasses Bread | Served with creamy butter | $5 ea |
| Devilled Egg with Trout Roe | Rich egg with salty roe topping | $10 |
| Rye Taco with Ox Tongue | Smoky meat with tangy sauerkraut | $10 |
| Tomato & Mozzarella Calzone | Mini calzone with gooey cheese | $8 ea |
| Oyster with Kumquat Mignonette | Fresh and citrusy seafood bite | $5 ea |
| Fermented Carrot on Rye | Tangy carrot with spicy nduja | $8 ea |
Each of these dishes packs a punch. The potato and molasses bread is a customer favorite. It’s simple but full of deep flavor.
Main Dishes with a Twist
Moving to the main dishes, the flavors get even more exciting. The Café Paci offers a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
| Dish | Flavor Profile | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Tuna with Pomelo | Light, zesty, and fresh | $30 |
| Stracciatella with Chermoula | Creamy with sweet and spicy notes | $25 |
| Potato Dumplings with XO Trout | Comfort food with seafood heat | $28 |
| Figs with Macadamia and Blackberry | Fruity salad with crunch | $26 |
| Leeks with Spanner Crab | Savory and nutty with brown butter | $30 |
| Sourdough Pasta with Pear | Sweet and cheesy flavor combo | $26 |
The king prawns are a top choice. They’re spicy, buttery, and juicy. The steak frites is perfect for meat lovers.
Delicious Desserts to End the Meal
Café Paci finishes strong with unique and refreshing desserts. These are not too sweet, and each one is creative.
| Dessert | Flavor Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Carrot Sorbet with Licorice | Herbal, earthy, and light | $16 |
| Pineapple Granita with Sorrel Sorbet | Fruity with a touch of green | $16 |
| Pain Perdu with Mandarin | Rich bread pudding with citrus | $18 |
The carrot sorbet is a signature item. It surprises guests with its unusual flavor mix. The pain perdu is warm and comforting.
Set Menu for Group Dining
For larger groups, the Café Paci offers a set menu. It’s available for six or more guests and costs $90 per person.
This includes a range of snacks, mains, and desserts. It’s a great way to try the restaurant’s highlights without deciding on each dish.
Seasonal Changes Keep It Fresh
One of the best parts of the Café Paci is its seasonal updates. Chef Pasi changes the menu often. This depends on what local produce is fresh and in season.
This keeps the food exciting and new. Regular customers love coming back to see what’s different.
Dietary Options and Flexibility
Café Paci caters to many dietary needs. Although many dishes include seafood or meat, vegetarians are certainly not left out.
If you’re vegan, gluten-free, or have allergies, just let them know in advance. The kitchen is happy to adjust where possible.
Examples of Veg-Friendly Dishes:
- Cauliflower with chilli and rye
- Sourdough pasta with pear and pecorino
- Stracciatella with Brussels sprouts
Drinks to Match the Food
The drink list at Café Paci is just as thoughtful as the food. They offer local and global wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
Staff are happy to help you find the best match. The wines are carefully chosen to balance and boost the bold, diverse, and ever-evolving flavors on the Cafe Paci menu.
Popular Drink Choices:
- Orange wines from small producers
- Chilled red blends
- Creative seasonal cocktails
Dining and Atmosphere
The restaurant is stylish yet comfortable. It has clean décor, warm lighting, and an open kitchen. You’ll feel the energy of the kitchen while you eat.
Service is relaxed but professional. The staff knows every detail of the Café Paci. They’ll explain dishes and offer pairing tips.
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Opening Hours and Location
Café Paci is located in Newtown, a lively suburb in Sydney. It’s a great place for both casual bites and special occasions.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 131 King Street, Newtown NSW |
| Dinner (Mon–Sat) | 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Lunch (Saturday) | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Closed | Sundays |
Booking is recommended, especially on weekends. It gets busy, so plan ahead for the best experience.
Price Range and Value
The Café Paci is high-end but offers good value. You get expert cooking, fresh ingredients, and great service.
| Meal Type | Average Spend (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Small Dishes | $10 – $15 |
| Mains | $25 – $45 |
| Desserts | $16 – $18 |
| Drinks | $12 – $20 |
| Set Menu | $90 (groups of 6+) |
A full meal with drinks may cost around $80 to $120. But the experience is worth every dollar.
Owners of Cafe Paci
Café Paci is proudly led by its founder and chef-owner, Pasi Petänen, a Finnish-born culinary talent who has shaped the restaurant’s bold identity. Since opening the first iteration in 2013 and settling into its permanent Newtown home in 2019, Petänen has earned acclaim—including Gourmet Traveller’s Chef of the Year award—highlighting his visionary cuisine and leadership.
Customer Reviews
Here are some representative customer reviews from Google and aggregated rating platforms for Cafe Paci, capturing real diner feedback:
• “Incredible food, small intimate venue, great story behind every single dish.”
• “We sat at the bar as a last minute booking. Staff amazing, very knowledgeable. Great to have such happy staff serving amazing food. We have spent a lot more in Sydney for food nowhere as good as this. Number one for me.”
• “The potato bread was a PHAT slice and was delicious – the butter was super soft and the sweetness…”
These reviews collectively highlight Café Paci’s intimate atmosphere, creative dishes, strong wine list, and consistently high guest satisfaction.
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Final Thoughts
The Café Paci menu is one of Sydney’s most exciting. It combines creative ideas with seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re after snacks, mains, or desserts, every dish is a surprise.
From the fermented carrot on rye to the carrot sorbet with licorice, Café Paci proves that food can be fun, beautiful, and full of flavor. The setting is friendly, the service is warm, and the dishes will stay in your memory.
If you want a fresh food experience in Newtown, Café Paci should be at the top of your list. It’s more than a meal—it’s a journey through taste.
