Florence Guild is bringing Italian dining with a spice-route twist to Circular Quay when Spezia opens in April 2026.
Tucked inside The Lands by Capella, this 130-seat open-air restaurant draws inspiration from the forgotten flavours of the Silk Road that once defined trading hubs like Venice. Executive chef Jae Bang, who earned three Michelin stars at Norway's Re-naa and worked at El Bulli, is layering subtle spice into classic Italian dishes. Think Cavatelli alla Nerano with pink peppercorn and nutmeg, tiramisu with all spice, and a saffron martini that brings elegant complexity to familiar flavours. Head chef Aaron Caccia, a Lake Como native who also worked at Re-naa and noma, will permanently lead the Sydney kitchen. The hidden courtyard setting channels the timeless grace of Italian piazzas, serving everything from morning espressos to late-night cocktails. It's Florence Guild's first Sydney venue, following their hatted Melbourne restaurant Freyja.Quick Bites
EAT: Cavatelli alla Nerano with pink peppercorn and nutmeg, tiramisu with all spice, handmade pastas, and slow-cooked sauces inspired by Silk Road spices
DRINK: Saffron martini, morning espressos, and late-night cocktails
VIBE CHECK: Open-air hidden courtyard with Italian piazza vibes, channeling the timeless grace of Florence in the heart of Sydney
