Cicerone Surry Hills: Roman Menu, Booking & Reviews

There’s something refreshing about a restaurant that doesn’t try too hard. Cicerone Cucina Romana, tucked away on Bourke Street in Surry Hills, is exactly that kind of place — a Roman Italian spot that lets the food do the talking.

Restaurant: Cicerone Cucina Romana ·
Location: 417 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 ·
Cuisine: Roman Italian ·
Hours: Wed-Sun from 5:30pm ·
Booking Platform: SevenRooms ·
Instagram Followers: 26,000+

Eight key facts, one takeaway: Cicerone is a straightforward, well-equipped restaurant with clear logistics and inclusive options.

Which restaurant in Surry Hills did Taylor Swift go to?

Pellegrino 2000: The celebrity connection

Taylor Swift was spotted dining at Pellegrino 2000, another Italian restaurant on Crown Street in Surry Hills, during her Eras tour stop in Sydney. The visit turned the already-popular spot into a social media sensation. Pellegrino 2000 is known for its classic Italian dishes and lively atmosphere.

How Cicerone differs from celebrity hotspots

Cicerone Cucina Romana occupies a different lane. Instead of chasing the celebrity spotlight, it focuses on an authentic, no-fuss Roman experience. Co-owner Isabella Daniali has described the concept as “bringing Roman cuisine to Surry Hills without the pretense,” according to the restaurant’s Instagram profile. The result is a dining room that feels more like a neighbourhood favourite than a flashy night out.

The pattern: Pellegrino 2000 grabs headlines, but Cicerone builds a quieter, more sustainable following.

What is Sydney’s most iconic fine dining?

Top fine dining restaurants in Sydney

Sydney’s fine-dining scene includes heavyweights like Quay, Bennelong, and Momofuku Seiōbo. These venues command high prices, Harbour views, and multiple-course degustations. But the city’s culinary landscape has shifted toward more accessible, ingredient-driven eateries in neighbourhoods like Surry Hills.

Cicerone’s place in the Sydney dining scene

Cicerone appears on Tripadvisor’s list of fine dining restaurants in Sydney, though it leans casual. It represents a middle ground: the food quality of a fine-dining kitchen with the relaxed vibe of a local trattoria. For Sydneysiders who want Roman pasta without the jacket-and-tie formality, Cicerone fills that gap.

Why this matters: As dining trends move away from stuffy white-tablecloth experiences, Cicerone shows that “iconic” doesn’t have to mean inaccessible.

What is the menu at Cicerone Surry Hills?

Roman specialties and ingredients

The kitchen sticks to traditional Roman fare: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and saltimbocca. Ingredients are sourced locally but prepared with Italian technique. The SevenRooms description notes that the restaurant offers an “authentic taste of Rome in a warm, lively setting.”

Dietary options: halal and gluten-free

Cicerone accommodates halal diners — though the exact certification is not publicly documented. For gluten-free guests, Find Me Gluten Free reports that the restaurant has a separate gluten-free menu and that all pastas can be prepared gluten-free. A reviewer on the same platform praised staff for being knowledgeable about modifications.

The implication: While Cicerone caters to gluten-free diners, those with celiac should confirm precautions.

How do I book a table at Cicerone Surry Hills?

Booking via SevenRooms

Reservations are managed through SevenRooms, a popular booking platform. The process is simple: select your date, party size, and time. The system shows availability in real time and sends a confirmation email.

Walk-in availability

If you prefer spontaneity, the restaurant accepts walk-ins. However, given its popularity — especially on weekends — a reservation is recommended. The restaurant opens at 5:30pm Wednesday through Sunday, with last seatings around 10-11pm depending on the day.

What this means: For a guaranteed table, book ahead. For a casual weeknight dinner, walking in carries little risk.

What are the reviews for Cicerone Cucina Romana?

Tripadvisor ratings and comments

On Tripadvisor, reviewers describe Cicerone as “not boring or extremely pretentious.” The menu is praised as “creative and not the usual Italian.” The overall sentiment is that the restaurant delivers high-quality Roman food without the fuss.

Unpretentious vibe emphasized

Multiple reviews highlight the youthful, energetic crowd and the friendly service. The décor is simple — exposed brick, warm lighting, and an open kitchen. This unpretentiousness is a deliberate choice by owners Isabella Daniali and Stefano De Caro, who wanted to create a space that feels like “an extension of your living room,” as stated on their Instagram.

The pattern: Whether a first-time visitor or a regular, the feedback consistently points to the same thing: a restaurant that lets the food be the star and doesn’t try to be anything else.

The verdict: Cicerone earns its reputation through consistent food and an unpretentious atmosphere rather than hype.

How to Book a Table at Cicerone Surry Hills: Step by Step

1. Visit the SevenRooms booking page for Cicerone.
2. Select the number of guests (1-10).
3. Choose your preferred date and time (open Wed-Sun from 5:30pm).
4. Enter your contact details and any special requests (allergies, dietary needs).
5. Confirm the reservation — you’ll receive an email with your booking details.
6. If plans change, cancel or modify through the same platform.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Cicerone Cucina Romana is located at 417 Bourke Street, Surry Hills (Tripadvisor).
• The restaurant opens Wed-Sun from 5:30pm (Tripadvisor).
• Booking is via SevenRooms (SevenRooms).

What’s unclear

• The exact phone number is not publicly listed.
• Halal certification details are not explicit.
• Opening hours on public holidays are not specified.
• Gluten-free options are reported but the kitchen is not dedicated (Find Me Gluten Free).

“We wanted to create a space where Roman food is the star — no fuss, just good pasta and a warm welcome.”

— Isabella Daniali, co-owner of Cicerone Cucina Romana (as shared on Instagram)

“Cicerone Cucina Romana is a cool Surry Hills Italian joint that feels like a local’s secret — relaxed, flavourful, and refreshingly unpretentious.”

— Broadsheet Sydney (local food guide)

For anyone in Sydney debating where to eat tonight, the choice is clear: head to Surry Hills, skip the celebrity hype, and book a table at Cicerone. The pasta is Roman, the vibe is low-key, and the only thing trending is the flavour.

För den som vill utforska fler alternativ i området finns en omfattande guide till Surry Hills bästa restauranger som kompletterar den romerska upplevelsen på Cicerone.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• One Playground Surry Hills — a local guide to another Surry Hills hotspot.
• Green Square Library Sydney — nearby services for visitors exploring the area.