Mister Grotto
Adding to their list of must-visit dining destinations, Paisano & Daughters bring us Mister Grotto—an intimate seafood restaurant in Newtown, headed by chef Måns Engberg.
WORDS: Hande Renshaw I PHOTOGRAPHY: Hugh O’Brien
Mister Grotto is tucked alongside another new addition from Paisano & Daughters, Flora, the long-standing favourite, Continental Deli, and soon to be added, Osteria Mucca.
On the Mister Grotto menu—BBQ nannygai, sweet corn, manchego, macadamia and salsa macha.
‘For me, it all starts with the quality of the produce and working with what is best in season—just as you would with vegetables. Freshness is everything,’ says head chef, Måns Engberg of creating dishes with seafood.
Guests can sit at the bar and watch oysters being shucked, fish prepared from the raw bar, and dishes fired over charcoal.
A dessert to remember—buttermilk soft serve, fig compote and honeycomb.
“Fish in general is endlessly fascinating to me. Every species behaves differently when cooked, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity.”
‘For me, it all starts with the quality of the produce and working with what is best in season—just as you would with vegetables. Freshness is everything,’ says head chef, Måns Engberg.
Kirei Shuzō ‘Mannen’ saké from Hiroshima at Mister Grotto.
Mister Grotto is a lively 30 seat seafood restaurant in Sydney’s inner-west.
Mister Grotto head chef, Måns Engberg.
Adding to their list of incredible dining destinations in the inner-west, including the long-standing favourite, Continental Deli—Mister Grotto is one of the latest restaurants added to the Paisano & Daughters impressive portfolio.
The new seafood restaurant sits alongside Paisano & Daughters’ thriving hub on Newtown’s Australia Street, which includes Continental Deli, new addition, Flora, and soon to be launched, the old butcher, which will be transformed to Italian restaurant, Osteria Mucca.
Lucky for us, it doesn’t stop there. Also to come are the Australia Street Suites: three boutique short-term suites, which sit directly above the restaurants. The perfect night sorted: drinks, dinner and a sleepover upstairs!
The first thing you notice when you enter Mister Grotto is the attention to detail in the intimate and buzzing space. The fisherman’s cabin-like interior transports you to a moored boat sitting in a quaint seaside village. This is a restaurant where the utmost care has been placed onto each and every surface, with each item lovingly hand-sourced by the passionate family-run team.
Headed by ex Saint Peter, Kiln chef, Måns Engberg. The menu celebrates Måns’ deep appreciation for Australia’s unparalleled seafood—sourcing from passionate suppliers and fishermen who are redefining the industry with fresh, modern approaches rooted in generational knowledge.
‘Fish in general is endlessly fascinating to me,’ shares Måns, ‘Every species behaves differently when cooked, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Understanding how a fish reacts to heat, what textures develop and what flavours emerge allows you to craft dishes that truly let the seafood shine. The variations in fish also influence the garnishes and vegetables that complement them, making each dish a creative and technical experience.’
On the menu you’ll find cuttlefish in young coconut, pipis in dry vermouth, samphire and lavender honey cornbread, southern calamari, chestnut mushroom with ink sauce, and for dessert, the must-try buttermilk soft serve, fig compote and honeycomb.
‘Freshness is everything. But just as important is supporting the fishermen who make it all possible—their knowledge, skill and dedication deserve recognition, and their hard work is the foundation of every great seafood dish. By highlighting their efforts, we bring a deeper connection between the plate and the people behind it,’ Måns says.
The fast-paced restaurant seats 30, with a much-coveted window booth facing bustling Australian street, seating along the busy bar, and low tables across one wall.
Mister Grotto
Open for dinner seven nights, and lunch on weekends.
208 Australia Street, Newtown NSW
Book here