Damascus
Discover the exquisite flavours of Syria at Wellington restaurant Damascus. Indulge in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, crafted with passion and tradition.
Cicio Cacio opened in 2014 with a tiny budget, hard-to-pronounce name, and servings of two house-made sausages on an empty plate. Yet it's became a go-to evening spot for intimate date nights and family birthdays. The rich menu changes monthly, themed around a different Italian region each time and kids eat free early. "We wanted to make an everyday spot, but it's become a place for celebration", says owner Giulio Ricatti. It's an osteria: an Italian restaurant serving regional wines and a no-fuss rotating menu.
Find the entrance tucked away on Wilson Street (around the corner from its Riddiford Street address). Step inside to a crackling fireplace, warm dark woods, and the smell of fresh herbs in the air. It feels like you could've stumbled in after a day on the slopes in a European mountain town. It's lived-in and cosy despite space for 60 seats. That's because Giulio chose to keep most of the furniture from previous restaurants in the space. The result is a layered history of Swiss, French, and Austrian decor.
Of the pasta, Giulio says: “We do it in an old-fashioned way, either by hand or with a small machine like my mum used. It might not always be perfect, but it’s true. It's real food". Giulio employs one person to make the fresh pasta, which holds firm on a fork. Giulio favours humble ingredients. The baccalà (traditional Italian salted cod) and pillowy gnocchi are crowd favourites. Despite the array of vegetarian options, a 1kg T-bone steak makes regular menu appearances. When you sit down, you're offered crusty bread, handmade that morning. If you still have room for dessert, try the panna cotta, a mainstay infused with flavours like rosemary or saffron.
Order a negroni, New Zealand beer, or carafe of wine. Cicio Cacio offers old regional, natural, and orange wines (they were early adopters of the latter). Giulio likes what he terms "emotional wine". This is layered wine that stays longer in your mouth and your memory. A little like the osteria itself.
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