Machiavelli - Sydney

Went here for lunch last Friday, entering the room at 1pm to see a heaving crowd of people, the good and the great enjoying a business or leisure lunch, although I didn't spot anyone famous. My companion and I were seated in an excellent spot to observe and we enjoyed viewing the photos on the walls of premiers past and present (Gladys). Despite the sellout crowd our waiter was soon on hand to take our order and leave some nice crusty bread to munch on in the meantime.  We decided to share a number of dishes and started with the zuchhini flowers which were absolutely superb; perfectly cooked with a beautiful cheese filling and creamy sauce on the plate.  We also enjoyed the fusilli pasta with crab meat, creamy sauce and from the specials a ravioli with seafood in napolitana sauce.   My friend, was paying for this one and ordered a light Italian red which complemented the food very nicely and we had two glasses each. We had both eaten our full so did not consider the dessert menu which appeared to be the usual Italian classics. All up, the bill came to around $200 (so I was told). Good service, enjoyable food and out the door in little more than an hour despite the busy crowd being attended to.  It's a little pricey but an enjoyable weekday treat now and then. It's good to see a veteran of the dining scene maintaining its standards.

Went here for lunch last Friday, entering the room at 1pm to see a heaving crowd of people, the good and the great enjoying a business or leisure lunch, although I didn't spot anyone famous. My companion and I were seated in an excellent spot to observe and we enjoyed viewing the photos on the walls of premiers past and present (Gladys). Despite the sellout crowd our waiter was soon on hand to take our order and leave some nice crusty bread to munch on in the meantime.  We decided to share a number of dishes and started with the zuchhini flowers which were absolutely superb; perfectly cooked with a beautiful cheese filling and creamy sauce on the plate.  We also enjoyed the fusilli pasta with crab meat, creamy sauce and from the specials a ravioli with seafood in napolitana sauce.   My friend, was paying for this one and ordered a light Italian red which complemented the food very nicely and we had two glasses each. We had both eaten our full so did not... read more

Went the restaurant with the expectation of high rating from Zomato and yelp. Two of us weren't served with the bread while others did. The restaurant has nice ambient (not many people and nice setting). The waiters were easy going and approachable at first but started to talk amongst themselves when most of the customers were served and enjoying their food. The food is okay, but mostly paying for the environment and nice service( which didn't happen in our visit). I don't want to be irrational and make it a racial thing but I do feel not treated equally from small details and would really wish to see some developments.

A true pleasure for a long lunch with friends. Attentive warm service; generous servings of mouthwatering Italian classics, and a wine list to compliment the food and atmosphere. An old favorite that continue to mature with age.

Att: New Owner On behalf of all of Sydney , please.... PLEASE don't let "Big Mach's" slip. On a recent visit the food was good BUT the little touches have slipped. Both of us at the table left to take calls - we returned to find our food waiting on the table, uncovered, going cold. This would never have happened previously. Ordered the crumbed prawns and calamari, as I have all 50+ times I've been there. It came already individually plated...used to be severed up at the table, along with the sauce. The little things! The young Italian waiters aren't there for the right reasons. Some are inexperienced or simply inattentive. The younger waiters under the previous owner were guided by the old 'bulls' and they were excellent, particularly with us regulars. Just because someone has an Italian accent doesn't make them a good waiter. Still going to keep coming, but lets get back some of the special touches that have made Big Mach's such a Sydney institution for so long! There is a very long list of great restaurants that once sold, disappear into oblivion.