divino osteria

WELCOME to Divino Osteria, where Italy’s rich culinary traditions blend seamlessly with the warmth of family and community!

Nestled in the heart of Elizabeth Bay, Divino Osteria is a humble celebration of Italy's vibrant culinary heritage, offering a warm, family-style atmosphere with a touch of modern flair. Once home to the iconic Sebel Hotel, our venue has been transformed into a stunning space that seamlessly blends the charm of the old with the elegance of the new. Whether you're a lover of Italian food or simply seeking a cozy yet refined casual dining experience, Divino Osteria promises to captivate your senses from the moment you walk through the door.

Founded by Anthony Alafaci whose Italian roots and love for sharing good food and wine run deep, has always been an avid food lover discovering his passion for food and wine at a young age during annual family traditions making wine, salumi, and other Italian products. He has also run successful businesses around the country for the past 32 years. Head Chef Andrea Di Stefano, born in Sicily, leads our kitchen with creativity and a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, blending contemporary techniques with the heartwarming staples of traditional Italian cooking. Their passion goes beyond just food & dining, creating an unforgettable experience of southern Italian wining & dining, right here in Sydney. Divino Osteria is a labour of passion and a love for bringing people together.

The name ‘Divino’ in Italian means ‘divine’ or ‘heavenly,’ often used to describe something extraordinary or of exceptional quality. It reflects the idea that the dining experience at our restaurant is not just about food but something sublime and memorable.

‘Osteria’ refers to a traditional Italian restaurant, typically more casual and focused on offering local, home-style dishes. Historically, Osteria’s were gathering places for friends and family to enjoy simple, hearty meals together, with an emphasis on community and warmth. Together, ‘Divino Osteria’ embodies the essence of what we offer — A heavenly, welcoming place where you can savour the rich, authentic flavours of Italy, rooted in tradition yet presented with modern flair.

At Divino Osteria, our mission is simple: To artfully serve bold, authentic flavours with genuine hospitality, creating a dining experience that feels like sharing a meal at a friend’s home.

We invite you to join us for an unforgettable dining experience that feels like home & ask you to help us create something special for your local community.

Southern Italy’ culinary heritage boasts a rich and vibrant food culture rooted in tradition, simplicity, and the bounty of the land and Mediterranean sea.

From Naples (known as the birthplace of pizza), which offers iconic dishes like the Pizza Margherita, featuring simple, high-quality ingredients including San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and olive oil. Neapolitan cuisine emphasizes the sea, with dishes like Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with clams) and fried seafood. The city is also famous for desserts like Sfogliatelle and Pastiera Napoletana, both reflecting its love of sweet, aromatic flavours.

Then to Calabria which is rustic, spicy, and deeply tied to its agricultural and coastal roots. Key ingredients include 'nduja (a spicy, spreadable pork sausage), red chili peppers, and olive oil. Signature dishes include Lagane e Ceci (a rustic pasta with chickpeas) and grilled swordfish. Preserved foods, such as sun-dried tomatoes and pickled vegetables, are staples. Desserts like Pignolata (honey-coated fried dough) are popular, especially during festive seasons.

Then we head to Sicily where the food culture is a melting pot of Mediterranean influences, blending Arab, Greek, Spanish, and Italian traditions. Seafood is central, with dishes like Pasta alla Norma (eggplant, ricotta salata, and tomato sauce) and Arancini (stuffed, fried rice balls). Citrus fruits, pistachios, and almonds flavor many dishes. Sicily is renowned for its desserts, including Cannoli, Cassata, and Granita, often served with a brioche.

The Shared Elements of the southern coast are the rich Mediterranean flavours from things such as Olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and fresh produce which are fundamental, whilst the focus on fresh seafood due to the proximity to the coast brings fresh fish, shellfish, and octopus to many dishes. The Street Food includes Fried snacks like Zeppole, Panelle, and Arancini which are common across the south to finally the Wine and Spirits, beautiful Local wines (such as Nero d’Avola from Sicily and Greco di Tufo from Campania) and liqueurs like Limoncello are essential pairings.

All in all, Locally produced olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables play a vital role in simple yet flavourful dishes. This fusion of fresh, high-quality ingredients makes the food of the divino osteria a symbol of Italy’s rich culinary traditions.

Come and join us at divino osteria, where we will tantalise your taste buds, transporting you to Southern Italy to experience the rich culinary heritage with us.

THE TASTE OF SOUTHERN ITALY

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Benvenuti

(Welcome)

WELCOME to Divino Osteria, where Italy’s rich culinary traditions blend seamlessly with the warmth of family and community!

The name ‘Divino’ in Italian means ‘divine’ or ‘heavenly,’ often used to describe something extraordinary or of exceptional quality. It reflects the idea that the dining experience at our restaurant is not just about food but something sublime and memorable.

At Divino Osteria, our mission is simple: To artfully serve bold, authentic flavours with genuine hospitality, creating a dining experience that feels like sharing a meal at a friend’s home.

We invite you to join us for an unforgettable dining experience that feels like home & ask you to help us create something special for your local community.

History of Southern Italy and the food culture

FOLLOW US

How to find us