Our Story
Zafferano is a beautiful Cape on the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily, a place of origin for many magical moments in Co-owner and Chef, Simone’s life.
A place where history, friendship, beauty of the Mediterraneo, and of course, a love for food, melt together. This small coastal town where Chef Simone grew up, was the catalyst for Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea.
From generations of fishermen, Simone’s father opened the first family restaurant in 1970 in Porticello, a small fishing village nestled next to Cape Zafferano. Simone grew up inside that kitchen and discovered his passion for traditional flavours and the art of authenticity. This is what we vow to offer at Zafferano, an authentic and traditional Sicilian experience.
We like to keep things a little old school, from sourcing to serving, our key values remain. Being truly traditional is not only about the food on our menu, but also in the way we do business. We have developed partnerships with local fishermen, butchers, farmers and foragers to purchase all of our ingredients, and we take an immense amount of pride in that.
The food at Zafferano is fresh, seasonal…
and meant to be shared with good company.
“The story of how Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea came to be first begins as a love story, our love story...”
Our two beautiful owners, Simone and Bella, met in Sydney not long after Simone arrived in Australia from Italy. He was a chef at a restaurant here in Sydney and she was a customer, and within weeks of capturing each other’s gaze, their story began.
Simone and Bella created Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea based on their shared love for a few of life’s greatest gifts, food, connection, passion & wine. Their warm and welcoming personalities are poured into every inch of this establishment, and together they have built something so special, a true piece of Sicily in the heart of Paddington.
They share the belief that life is more enriched with joy, when spent with those you love, doing what you love. Especially when food is involved.
