Postino Osteria by Perry Drakopoulos and Larissa Leigh Interiors

There’s something authentically charming and nostalgic about Postino Osteria that perfectly befits its position within an historic post office in Sydney’s Summer Hill.

Perched on Moonbie Street in a vibrant and eclectic corner of Sydney’s Inner West, the Italian restaurant replaces the beloved One Penny Red. Perry Drakopoulos of Sydney Restaurant Group and Larissa Orso from Larissa Leigh Interiors have sensitively restored the space to reflect its roots while echoing the romance of classic Italian osterias.

Countless details pay homage to the building’s past; original windows are retained while textured walls with a classic limewash finish make the space feel further lived in.

Walking towards the arched entryway from the street, an outdoor dining area with colourful rattan bistro chairs and timber-slatted tables is reminiscent of intimate wine bars and eateries occupying narrow, cobbled Italian lanes. Inside, one is greeted by an open kitchen pass, a central staircase and the main dining room to the left, with banquette seating scattered throughout and additional dining areas upstairs.

Countless details pay homage to the building’s past; original windows are retained while textured walls with a classic limewash finish make the space feel further lived in. The upstairs bar features wine stored in pigeonholes reminiscent of mail slots – a nod to the original post office. Meanwhile, new additions seamlessly integrate with the old, including classic bistro-style furnishings with carved timber accents, decorative illustrated fabrics, dark timbers, antique lighting and brass finishes. Upstairs, a walnut bar, intimate booths and Roman shades are complemented by GP & J Baker’s Heirloom Flying Ducks wallpaper, adding a sense of playfulness and grandeur that extends to the balcony.

On both levels, the colour palette combines the deep red of the tiles and mulberry details in the fabrics with gloss-painted mahogany wall panelling and crimson carpet.

On both levels, the colour palette combines the deep red of the tiles and mulberry details in the fabrics with gloss-painted mahogany wall panelling and crimson carpet. The upstairs private dining room offers a striking juxtaposition, however. Known as ‘the green room’, here, olive hues are complemented by a burlwood table, floral upholstery and leafy wallpaper lining the ceiling, subtly illuminated by the warm glow of a Murano glass pendant light.

Balancing heritage with modern refinement and familiarity with sophistication, Postino Osteria invites diners to linger and immerse themselves in the restaurant’s saturated hues, bold textures and ornate details. Echoing the warmth and grandeur of dining in northern Italy, Perry Drakopoulos and Larissa Leigh Interiors’ deeply considered design brings classic elegance to a Sydney neighbourhood diner.

Interior design by Perry Drakopoulos and Larissa Leigh Interiors.