If you’ve dined with a group at a restaurant, you’ve probably experienced the awkwardness of splitting the bill. The person who ordered way more usually suggests you split it evenly. Someone who didn’t drink usually objects. And you almost always — always — end up at least $20 short until someone offers to cover it so you can all finally leave.
Sydney institution OTTO Ristorante saw your problem and came up with a solution. Its Beviamo! Four Course Dining and Beverage Package is a flat-cost ($115) dining package for groups of eight or more. For an extra $50 a head, you can add on your choice of free-flowing drinks — rosé, prosecco or beer. Non-alcoholic free-flowing drinks are $25.
The ease of bill-splitting is great but OTTO’s vibe and food are the main drawcard. It’s halfway down Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf, dotted with olive trees and an Italian-feel baby blue and yellow colour scheme.
The restaurant spills onto the wharf steps away from the bobbing boats and glittering harbour. It’s a pretty special place for a group meal and a big part of why the restaurant’s been around for 25 years.
Then there’s the food. The group package menu focuses on seafood but also has meats and pasta — and everything’s served with flair. Vegos and vegans are catered for too.
Ingredients are seasonal and recipes are simple so their quality can shine through. Think saffron linguine with the pasta cooked al dente, John Dory fried on a wood-grill and served with butter sauce and potato gnocchi topped with saffron ragu and pork sausage.
So yeah, the bill-splitting convenience is the cherry on the cake of why you should book your next group meal at OTTO. Some fine print: reservations and drinks packages are based on a three-hour dining time. In December, the package is only available Mondays and Tuesdays. You can book the Beviamo! Four Course Dining and Beverage Package here.
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