If you thought pub grub was all schnitty and chips, think again. Robertos Bangor Tavern is flipping the script on your typical pub feed — and inviting you to explore the Shire beyond its surfing spots … one Italian-inspired plate at a time.
Tucked away in Sydney’s southwest, this breezy new venue is the latest venture from Adam and Kylie Micola, the local hospitality duo also behind beloved seaside eatery Bobby’s Cronulla. With a menu crafted by the Bobby’s team and a Mediterranean-leaning makeover courtesy of design studio Tom Mark Henry, Robertos brings a refreshing coastal Italian flair to the suburban pub scene. Minus the airfare.
Proving they understood the pub + fun assignment, Robertos delivers in the form of flavour-packed share plates, elevated pub classics, and a sunny, alfresco-forward setting perfect for long lunches and casual dinners that stretch into spritz hour.
The menu marries approachable Italian favourites with classic pub staples — but with a glow-up. Think grilled octopus slathered in nduja vinaigrette with chickpeas and oregano. There’s a fried prawn dish with a garlicky, lemony kick served with fresh focaccia, while pasta lovers can twirl into the rich, slow-cooked pappardelle beef shin ragù. Craving comfort? The chicken schnitzel comes with cabbage and fennel slaw, fries, lemon and gravy — while the parmigiana gets the full Italian treatment, layered with Napoletana sauce, prosciutto cotto and stracciatella. Of course, there are pizzas too. The “piccantissima” brings the heat with tomato, hot salami, fior di latte and Calabrian chilli.
You’ll also want to leave room for dessert. A dedicated gelato cart serves up scoops of authentic Italian flavours like pistachio, chocolate and pannacotta – the kind of sweet ending that makes you wish you wore stretchier pants.
The drinks list is just as considered, with a nod to local and Italian tastes alike. Curated by Alex Cameron (of Table Manners and ex-Franca fame), the wine selection includes homegrown heroes like Golden Hour’s pinot gris and merlot, an Eden Valley riesling from Dead Man Walking, and even a Cantina Di Negrar pinot grigio for those chasing la dolce vita. Organic juices are on hand for the sober-curious, while the cocktail menu leans into the Italian love of aperitivo, with spritzes made from Aperol, Campari, Limoncello and more. Plus, there’s a rotating ‘Beer Of The Month’ spotlighting independent breweries and the option to share pints or go big with a jug.
The redesign itself is worth a look. Warm Mediterranean hues, natural textures, and modern touches make it a surprisingly chic space to catch up with mates, wrangle the kids (hello, extended playground), or catch the game in the new sports lounge complete with a 3.5-metre indoor screen.
Whether you’re in it for the pasta, the spritzes or simply a laid-back local with good vibes and great food, Robertos is proof that the humble pub meal just got a glow-up — and Sydney’s southwest has never looked tastier.
Robertos at Bangor Tavern is now open seven days a week from 11am till late.