Pull up a chair at Mordeo and prepare to settle in. In the Martin Place precinct, this Southern European inspired bistro combines handmade pasta, hand-stretched Napoli-style pizza, fresh local seafood and an incredibly well curated wine list that reads as a love letter to la bella vita. Paired with the kind of hospitality that makes a busy city restaurant feel surprisingly personal, you’re in for a great meal.
The dining room feels both elegant and relaxed. Think sun-baked terracotta, rendered walls, organic accents and natural stone, set by moody lighting throughout an open-plan space. It’s a generous slice of Southern European charm.
The story behind the restaurant is just as personal. Three generations of Chefs, providers and restaurateurs from both sides of the family have shaped Mordeo, with childhood memories of Southern European breakfasts and family kitchens providing the inspiration. That heritage is reflected in a menu built around quality produce, generous plates and food intended to be enjoyed together.
A philosophy that becomes more evident from the moment you start exploring the menu.
Start with something to share. House-made focaccia arrives with olive oil and balsamic, while hummus is topped with roasted chickpeas and tahini. Stracciatella with nashi pear confit, hazelnuts and shiso brings a fresh, creamy combination to the table, while the Jamon Serrano Reserva is served with pickled baby peaches and vegetables.
For seafood lovers, the choices become particularly tempting. Flash-fried calamari comes with lemon and agliata verde, while char-grilled octopus is paired with cauliflower florets and purée, preserved lemon and dehydrated olive. Then there is the pippies & chippies; Cloudy Bay clams cooked with garlic butter and white wine, served with fries, which sounds exactly like the sort of dish that disappears quickly when placed in the middle of the table.
Mordeo's fresh pasta and risotto section is equally difficult to ignore. The Prawn Spaghetti is a standout, bringing local prawns together with a rich bisque, spinach, zucchini, chilli and garlic, finished with golden pangrattato. Lamb Ragu Pappardelle combines slow-cooked lamb with Manchego and marjoram, while the Forest Mushroom Risotto pairs exotic mushrooms with Grana Padano and crispy saltbush. For something a little more indulgent, fresh black truffle, cacio e pepe, pecorino and black pepper come together in the Truffle Linguine.
For those wanting something more substantial, the mains give the menu another dimension. Beef cheeks are braised for 12 hours in red wine before being served with soft polenta, glazed carrots and mushrooms, while the Lamb Kebab pairs barbecued lamb with pilaf rice, Greek salad, pickled eggplant and romesco sauce. Bannockburn Chicken can be ordered half or whole, char-grilled and served with tzatziki, grapes, guindillas and jus. There is also a 280-gram Scotch fillet with Bordelaise sauce and a market fish of the day, giving diners plenty of choice whether they prefer land or sea.
Then there is the pizza. Mordeo's hand-stretched bases use 48-hour fermented dough, with toppings ranging from classic Margherita to Rustica with potato, rosemary, caramelised onion and smoked mozzarella. The Truffle Mornay brings mushroom, cherry tomato and truffle oil, while the Prawn combines tomato, mozzarella, chilli and capers.
A meal at Mordeo is easily extended with a bottle from the wine list or one of the Southern European-inspired cocktails. The bar keeps its cocktail selection focused, allowing each drink to be executed with care, alongside boutique wines and craft beers.
Mordeo means "bite” or "devour”, and the name is fitting. With a menu made for ordering generously and sharing, this is a CBD dining destination where the best approach is to arrive hungry, choose a few things you can't resist and let the meal take its course.
