Sardinian-born restaurateur Fabio Dore has launched a new menu offering and welcomed a new Sardinian head chef for his award-winning wine bar, restaurant and cellar, Sella, located within the Newmarket Stables precinct in Randwick. Sella will celebrate the rustic simplicity of Sardinia, showcasing the diverse and traditional ingredients of the Mediterranean island.
Opening three years ago as an 85-seat Mediterranean wine bar, restaurant and cellar, the name Sella (Italian, ‘saddle’) is a nod to its location within the heritage Inglis Stables, as well as a wine “cellar”; a place to sit and indulge in something from the cellar.
This month, Fabio welcomes fellow Sardinian Stefano Gaspa, as head chef. The two have a longstanding relationship, having worked together at Fabio’s previously celebrated Popolo Restaurant in Rushcutters Bay as well as One Ford Street in Balmain.
Sella’s new menu reflects Sardinia’s rich history and influences from the local villages where Fabio and Stefano grew up. The menu comprises starters, small plates, and entrees, including fried artichoke with bottarga; broad bean and pecorino croquettes; and Sardinian sausage with broccoli rabe and scamorza.
Pasta and mains continue to celebrate the rich flavours of and traditional dishes of Sardinia, including Malloreddus with pork sausage ragu, saffron and pecorino ; seafood fregola; as well as a spatchcock cooked over fire. Desserts include chocolate tart, a crema Catalan, and a selection of cheeses. The Feed Me menu offers a $78 or $95 per head option, as well as a kid friendly menu for families.
Fabio says: ‘We are endlessly inspired by our sun-drenched homeland and the fruits of the sea and mountains that have shaped the depth of flavour in Sardinian food. I am so happy to be able to bring the food of my land and the food of my grandmother’s kitchen to Sella, for our friends and customers to enjoy.’
The exceptional wine offering remains a centrepiece at Sella, with Fabio curating a list of more than 350 wines across the restaurant and wine store. All wines have been selected from small boutique wineries across Australia and Italy, highlighting minimal intervention and lo fi practices from emerging winemakers, artisanal Australian producers and international heavy hitters. All wines available in the dining room, can be purchased via the wine store which also includes a private dining room for up to 15 guests.
Fabio’s childhood memories of his grandmother’s home in Sardinia came to life in the design of Sella, which features a mosaic marble floor, soft blue tiles, and wine barrels lining the walls.
Sella is located at Shop 6, 162-164 Barker Street, Randwick
Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday 5pm-late
(snacks & small plates available 3-5pm)
Saturday & Sunday – midday-late
Website and reservations: https://sellavinoteca.com/
Social: @sellavinoteca
