LOT.1 - SYDNEY CBD

Lot.1
18-20 York St
Sydney CBD

Lot.1 is a new kid on the block that oozes casual style and a relaxed chic atmosphere.

They've done a great job with this place with sweeping curved pale timber features offset against darker timber flooring and original heritage stone brickwork walls. It has an old world charm blended with modern touches.

This is going to be a big venture when it's finished. For now, they've opened up the first area - called the Espresso Bar. It does of course serve coffee - inside and through a servery opening onto the street. They do much more than this though. They serve food during the day from breakfast through to dinner and run a well stocked bar too.

We were there to try their lunches which have a distinct Italian influence

It was drinks first though so we of course ordered. Count N grabbed an aperol spritz while Sir had his usual glass of red from their healthy wine list. We heard that the list for the restaurant thy are opening next door will be even more impressive. 

The first dish to arrive was awash with vibrant red, green, yellow and white colours.

While we sadly can't remember exactly what this was - we vaguely think it was either toasted thin bread or else an omelette.

We do remember finishing it all though.

The panzanella caprese salad was another winner.

This humble staple of World War 1 and 2 Italy uses big chunks of tomato, cucumber, olives, basil, torn buffalo mozzarella and of course hunks of toasted bread. It's then all drizzled in olive oil .

It was such a beautiful dish.

We then moved on to the most delicious polenta chips. These babies were absolutely amazing.

They arrived hot and beautifully golden and crisp on the outside yet soft and delicate inside. We picked up a hint of some kind of light dusting on them - and whatever it was (if there) it was delicious.

As were were in a healthy-ish mood it was time to try some of their salads - which all sounded very interesting.

This one had wedges of baked butternut pumpkin on a bed of chickpea's mixed with cauliflower florettes and sunflower seeds. It was a full flavoured dish that could be a meal in it's own right.

Pasta is of course one of the main staples of Italian cuisine. Here they had another simple winner done so well. It was pasta with tomato, basil and a hint of chilli. We added some freshly grated Parmesan. This was simply delicious.

It's great to see simple dishes with good ingredients prepared so well being served up.


A side of coleslaw added some zest to the meal and again it was simple and done well - it's clearly a theme here.

The coleslaw had an olive oil based dressing rather than a mayonnaise and it kept the colours vibrant and tasted great too.

Dessert is a must do here. There's a range of goodies on the counter that simply explode with eye-catching colours. It's almost impossible to miss or resist. We had a lovely platter prepared which had three treats - a deliciously moist orange poppyseed cake that had artwork icing topped with fresh fruit and a chocolate shard, some tasty white chocolate rocky road and a great cream and strawberry topped muffin. All were delicious!

We finished with coffee - something they also pride themselves on here. We have to admit it would certainly be worth coming here even for just a coffee. However, you have to try their food - it's so good - and in such a really great environment!

Sir and Count N dined as guests of Lot.1. Special thanks to Michael Bradley, the Manager there, for looking after us so professionally - and nicely. Big thanks also to Lara Fraser for inviting us.