If you’re looking for a good value but sophisticated place to eat while in the middle of a Sydney CBD shopping burn, Ragu Pasta and Wine Bar – in Westfield Sydney’s Level 5 food court – is a winner.
Not your traditional food court fare
I’m not normally a huge fan of food courts. In fact, I generally avoid them like an ex. But food courts are changing, as shopping centres transition into more lifestyle precincts, and there’s no better example than Westfield Sydney’s ‘Food on Five’. The Italian restaurant Ragu embodies this transformation, impressing this anti-food court flag-flyer.
Pappardelle with amatriciana sauce
Ragu Pasta and Wine Bar is a complete step change from your traditional food court offering. Tucked away in a cordoned off area in the middle of Westfield Sydney’s food court, seated at cute Italian café tables and chairs, you can almost forget where you are. Plus, if you’re on your own, having a quick break from flinging out the AMEX, you can pull up a stool at the bar and have a nice dining experience, without any awkwardness.
Serving an incredibly comprehensive menu of Italian favourites. You can choose from antipasto, paninis, salads and more substantial mains, such as eggplant parmigiana and a rack of lamb. Or concoct your own pasta, selecting your preferred pasta and sauce, which is then cooked to order. When I was here, the seriously helpful staff recommended what to pair together, which was useful education. The pappardelle with amatriciana sauce was bang-on. While the husband’s beef tortellini with boscaiola sauce was divine, almost warranting food envy.
Beef tortellini with boscaiola sauce
Ragu Pasta and Wine Bar is…
Whether you want a step up from your usual fast food eats, a meal that isn’t Sydney-taxed or a family-friendly option, Ragu Pasta and Wine Bar ticks lots of boxes. It provides table service, is licensed (hello Aperol Spritz) and serves decent portion sizes. It’s an all-round pleasant surprise.
With mains ranging between the $14–$19 mark, and lots of specials, you can get a good, honest feed, and have plenty of change to continue your shopping splurge.
Aperol Spritz
Ragu Pasta and Wine Bar | Level 5, Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney, New South Wales
Phone: (02) 8072 8005
ragu.com.au
