Stepping into Alessandra Papazzo's cosy King Street establishment feels like receiving the warmest of welcomes. The Naples-born chef has finally realised her long-held dream with Osteria Papazzo, creating a Newcastle dining experience that nourishes both body and soul.
A Dream Realised on King Street
The restaurant, located between Sister Sister Flower Gallery and Arno's Deli just metres from the newly-opened Tower Cinemas, represents the culmination of Alessandra's culinary journey. Previously appearing as pop-ups at The Junction and Good Brother Espresso, her permanent home on King Street now stands as a testament to her passion and perseverance.
'It feels I have been here forever, it feels so right and I constantly have moments of deep gratitude, goosebumps... it feels so real, finally, after I have dreamed about it for so long,' Alessandra shares. 'It looks even more beautiful than I imagined it could be.'
The interior reflects Alessandra's lifelong passion for design, featuring exposed brick walls, wooden floors, delicate floral arrangements, and candlelit tables. The space incorporates her personal collection of art and ceramics alongside 1970s pieces from her parents' apartment in Napoli and works by Australian artists including Angus McDiarmid from Pan Pottery and Layla Cluer from Softedge Studio.
An Ever-Changing Culinary Experience
The menu at Osteria Papazzo remains in constant evolution, influenced not just by seasonal availability but by Alessandra's creative impulses. When asked about the lunch offerings, she responds with a grin: 'Surprises that I dream during the night or decide in the morning once I arrive at Osteria.'
Her cooking philosophy follows simplicity and authenticity rooted in her Neapolitan heritage, enhanced by techniques developed over thirty years in the culinary arts. Recent dinner highlights included fresh smoked buffalo mozzarella with activated macadamia honey and mortadella, silky freshly-made pappardelle with slow-cooked wagyu sausage that melted in the mouth, and Scotch premium eye fillet accompanied by thick rhubarb jam and tangy pickled zucchini.
The secret ingredient that elevates every dish? Love – an element that cannot be taught or bottled.
More Than Just Evening Dining
While Osteria Papazzo opens evenings for aperitivo and dinner (with bookings strongly advised), mornings welcome visitors for artisanal baked creations. Everything is made by hand from scratch, including sourdough, brioches, buns, cakes, and granola.
'Every day is different, depending on what inspires me and what I source from our organic farmers,' Alessandra explains. Beautiful local eggs remain available all day, accompanied by the special OP blend coffee created for the restaurant by Chris and Steph at Slingtown Espresso.
At its heart, Osteria Papazzo champions slow handcrafting, preserving techniques, and promoting artisanality over technology and automation. It represents a dining philosophy where every element receives personal attention and care.
The restaurant stands as a heartfelt invitation to experience Italian hospitality at its most genuine. For those seeking an authentic culinary journey in Newcastle, Osteria Papazzo promises an unforgettable encounter with food crafted from passion and tradition.
