Forks at the ready. The pasta masters from Ragazzi and Fabbrica are set to open a new Italian diner in the Sydney CBD – and no points for guessing the star dish.

Palazzo Salato will be the first proper restaurant for the Love Tilly Group, which is known for its intimate wine bars and slinky pasta joints.

The grand Italian restaurant will take over the former Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe building on Clarence Street, with seating for 200 people across two levels.

The interiors will be inspired by famed Roman trattorias like Armando al Pantheon and Roscioli, revealing exposed columns, colourful art-filled walls and Thonet bentwood chairs.

On the ground level, a walk-in-only bar will dish up Roman-style pasta with the same finesse as their Fabbrica pasta factory. Cacio e pepe, which is a favourite at nearby Ragazzi, will make an appearance on the menu, alongside carbonara and pasta alla gricia, which sees al dente strands tossed with black pepper, Pecorino and guanciale. Beyond the bar will be a dining room which will feature an expanded selection of filled pasta, alongside grilled meats and produce-driven dishes.

Related review: Raise a glass to Redfern’s newest small bar, La Salut

Heading up the kitchen is Group Executive Chef Scott McComas-Williams who will be joined by Executive Chef Alex Major (formerly Head Chef at Ragazzi) and new Head Chef Vincenzo Romeo (ex-Casoni).

McComas-Williams is excited to open the group’s first proper restaurant. “For the first time, we have a kitchen with enough room to swing a cat, allowing us to produce some of my favourite hand-shaped pastas like agnolotti dal plin, scarpinocc and fagottini while still being able to grill, roast and braise cuts of meat, veg and fish from our long-time producers.”

The Palazzo Salato wine list will feature the broadest selection of vinos yet, with 500 bottles selected from around the world. An Americano is the must-order of the cocktail menu, with an impressive selection of vintage amari to help you cope with all the carbs.

Matt Swieboda describes Palazzo Salato as the next step in the evolution of the Love Tilly Group. “Like us, it’s growing up. It’s a little more refined. But, it stays true to our ethos of being accessible and never stuffy. We want people to come and eat great food and drink great wine, but have fun while they’re doing it.”

Following the launch of the bar and trattoria on the Clarence Street level, a large bar and outdoor dining space will open underneath in late 2023.

Palazzo Salato will open at 201 Clarence Street in April 2023. For more details, head to palazzosalato.com.

Related news: Fabbrica is opening a pop-up pasta bar in Balmain (and yes, there’s cacio e pepe)