A new player is set to enter Penrith’s evolving food scene, with Italian Street Kitchen (ISK) opening at Panthers.
Occupying the former Panarottis tenancy, the authentic Italian restaurant will open to dine-in guests from Midday this Sunday.
Gareth Howard, Brand Operations Manager for ISK, said Penrith had been on their radar for some time, they just needed to find the right site.
“We are aware that Penrith is expanding and growing, and we wanted to expand our brands with the City,” he said.
“With Panarottis folding, there is an obvious gap in the area for an Italian restaurant, and we want to give the locals the best version they could ever have.
“Additionally, the locals love to dine and are always looking for new places to eat that offer quality food, combined with relaxed yet personable service.
“ISK, we believe, addresses all of that.”
Diners can expect to see classics, but also contemporary versions of old favourites.
“Our menu is created to take you on a culinary journey through Italy,” he said.
“We have handpicked the best dishes from each region and given them our own unique twist. We like to have fun with food and drink, and let the amazing ingredients that we source direct from small producers in Italy and Australia do the talking.”
The Penrith store brings the total number of Italian Street Kitchens to six, with existing locations in Neutral Bay, Meadowbank, Bella Vista and two in Brisbane.
Opening Wednesday for dinner and Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, the casual dining venue will also offer click and collect and delivery options going forward.
Mr Howard said every square inch of the premises is brand new, and foreshadowed an exciting outdoor addition that would provide more seating.
The finishing touches have been put on the inside of the restaurant over the last few days.
“By November, we will open a brand new outdoor dining space which will be suspended above the existing water feature adjacent to our premises,” he said.
“This will house an additional 40 seats for outdoor dining during spring and summer.”
Panarottis, which had occupied the site for more than a decade, entered voluntary administration late last year and was unsuccessful in renewing its lease.
It closed its doors for good on January 26.
Alena Higgins
Alena Higgins is the Weekender's Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.