One of the best restaurants on Sydney’s Upper North Shore
Finding a truly exceptional dining experience on Sydney’s Upper North Shore can be challenging. While the city is home to countless top-tier restaurants, the further north you go, the harder it gets to find a venue that ticks all the boxes—ambiance, great food, and top-notch service.
So, when I needed to organize a client dinner, I was on a mission and the hunt for a worthy venue begun. I wanted something local (not only do like supporting local but let’s be honest, asking clients to trek to the city isn’t always ideal), but I also wanted somewhere that felt special, something more than just your typical Italian restaurant.
After doing some research, I stumbled upon Bar Infinita in Gordon. The reviews were glowing, and with an ex-Ormeggio/Firedoor chef at the helm, it seemed like a no-brainer.
A Dining Experience to Remember
Walking up to Bar Infinita, I could immediately tell this wasn’t just another suburban Italian eatery, the cosy sidewalk dining was inviting and modern, you immediately felt like taking a seat to enjoy a night out. The interior is warm and stylish, with terrazzo floors, burgundy seating, and a touch of old-world charm. It reminded me of a little restaurant I visited in Rome, tucked away, down a side street and up a small laneway.
Then came the food — and wow, did it impress!
We started with the cured meat selection plate, house made bread, grilled scallops, olives and La Stella Latticini Burrata, a perfect selection to start the evening. Then came the Akaroa king salmon, squid ink tagliolini with blue swimmer crab, tomato and lemon myrtle, a taste that transported us straight to the Amalfi Coast. But the real showstopper? The woodfire steaks, grilled to perfection over live ironbark wood embers, just as you’d expect from a chef with a Firedoor background.
The drinks list was just as impressive, featuring some stunning Italian wines, house-made Limoncello, an inviting cocktail list with my favourite being the Royal Margarita that added a fun, citrus kick to the night.
A Chef with Serious Credentials
At the heart of Bar Infinita’s magic is Chef Francesco Iervolino, who hails from Naples and brings with him years of experience at Sydney icons like Firedoor and Ormeggio. His expertise in wood-fired cooking shines through in every dish, making each bite feel like a love letter to Italian cuisine.
Will I Be Back? Absolutely!
It’s rare to find a place like this on the Upper North Shore—a restaurant that delivers city-quality food without the trek. Bar Infinita exceeded my expectations, and I’m already planning my next visit. Whether it’s for another client dinner or just a cozy meal with family or friends, this little slice of Italian heaven in Gordon is now at the top of my list.
If you’re looking for a surprising local North Shore treat and a memorable dining experience, do yourself a favour and book a table at Bar Infinita. You won’t be disappointed!
