Simo’s Kitchen

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Authentic Italian & Very Kid‑Friendly A fantastic hidden gem. The chef is incredibly talented and clearly passionate about his food — everything is handmade with real care. Our kids loved the bolognese and the oven‑baked lasagna. Both were fresh, generous, and far better than the usual kids’ meals you find elsewhere. The squid ink pasta with fresh blue swimmer crab was outstanding, and the lemon curd dessert was beautifully made and perfect for sharing. High‑quality, authentic Italian dishes and very family‑friendly. This place deserves more customers. We’ll definitely be back!

As an Italian, I can honestly say that eating at Simo’s Kitchen truly felt like being back in Italy. Simo’s handmade pasta is outstanding - fresh, perfectly textured, and clearly made with skill and care. We started with stuffed zucchini flowers, delicate and full of flavour, followed by several pasta dishes that we shared. Every plate felt authentic and reminded me of eating in Italy. Desserts were just as good: the tiramisù, with its light mascarpone cream, was excellent and a great way to end the meal. Highly recommended if you’re looking for real Italian food in Balmain, Sydney!

We visited Simo’s Restaurant as a family of seven, and every one of us was impressed. We all ordered different pastas. I had the marinara and despite working on his own, Simo managed to bring all our meals out at the same time. The service was efficient, and the food was absolute perfection, easily the best pasta I’ve had in Sydney. Highly recommend visiting Simo and experiencing it for yourself. A solid 10/10!

My first time visiting Simo’s Kitchen, and it has quickly become my favourite Italian restaurant in Sydney. The three of us all thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and the dishes were beautifully prepared. The standout for me was the quail risotto – rich, flavourful, and perfectly balanced. Warm atmosphere, attentive service, and food that makes you want to come back again and again. I’ll definitely be visiting again soon!

Tucked up a small flight of stairs, Simo’s Kitchen greets you with classic Italian tunes and a rustic Mediterranean vibe. The kitchen is compact—clearly built for one. Simo himself is both chef and charming host, brings a slice of Italy straight to Balmain. We kicked off with the hand-made potato gnocchi with gorgonzola and toasted walnut sauce, red wine reduction. A touch on the sweet side and a little soft. The dish could have used a touch more heat (as in temp)— still decent Gnocchi and enjoyable. The squid ink linguine with half a blue swimmer crab, clams, crab meat, leeks, and cherry tomato was gloriously messy, a juicy crab, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce that could win awards. The rocket and roasted pumpkin salad with grilled eggplant, gorgonzola, and almonds? Pure perfection. One of the best salads we’ve had in ages. The restaurant is fully licensed, reasonably priced with sensible wine pricing (plus a BYO option if required) By the time we left an additional 3 tables occupied, a promising sign for a cold, wet & rainy Monday lunch. Balmain’s critics aren’t wrong—this is Italian done with flair and heart. Gracie Simo!