Experience Southern Italian family dining like never before.
In the 1960s Harry Sebel, a furniture emperor who made his fortune by producing chairs from moulded plastic, bought a block of land in Elizabeth Bay. He planned to build a cluster of bachelor-pad style units. Thanks to a planning dispute, or perhaps destiny, this never came to be. In 1963 he opened The Sebel Town House hotel instead. It became famous for many things – its modern design but also the fact that it was Australia’s first hotel to take credit cards.
Now nestled in the storied walls of the former Sebel Townhouse, Divino Osteria is a love letter to Southern Italy, serving authentic flavours and heartfelt hospitality on one of Elizabeth Bay’s most iconic streets. Once the unofficial home of Australia’s music scene, the Sebel Townhouse Hotel welcomed legends like Zsa Zsa Gabor, Bette Davis, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Dire Straits, Duran Duran, Boy George, Phyllis Diller, Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Brett Whitely, and hosted the wedding of Sir Elton John.
By the ‘90s Kings Cross became sleazier and grittier and the glamour of The Sebel began to fade. Celebrities stayed elsewhere, choosing to reside in the City or near the Harbour. Towards the end of the decade The Cross began the process of renewal. Hotels in the suburb became less economically viable and The Sebel along with The Landmark, The Gazebo, The Talk of the Town and The Rex were all transformed or slated for redevelopment into luxury apartments.
In 2000, The Sebel Town House closed its doors for good. By 2003 The Sebel Town House was transformed into The Encore building, named after the hotel’s restaurant & today, Divino Osteria honours that rich, vibrant history with a space that balances relaxed elegance and timeless charm, where every meal feels like a warm embrace from a Southern Italian Nonna.
MILESTONES
October 2024
Divino Osteria opens its doors, bringing the soul of Southern Italy to Sydney
Divino Osteria has officially been featured in Concrete Playground.
They called us a “warm new osteria dishing up Southern Italian soul in Elizabeth Bay”… and we’re still blushing.
Published in the Daily Telegraph. Plumber’s culinary crusade: New restaurant in old Elton John haunt
Featured in Eat Drink Play, "deep Italian roots and his vision to recreate the warmth of a family kitchen"
Our Values
Rooted in tradition, guided by passion, and driven by a commitment to authenticity and heartfelt hospitality.
Organic & Sustainable
At Divino Osteria, we’re proud to embrace organic and sustainable practices that honour the earth and elevate every dish. From locally sourced produce to thoughtfully selected wines, our kitchen is committed to minimising waste, supporting ethical growers, and celebrating the natural flavours of seasonal ingredients — just like Nonna would have done.
Years of Expertise
With decades of combined experience across Italy and Australia, our team brings deep culinary heritage and hospitality expertise to every table. From traditional family recipes to refined modern techniques, Divino Osteria is built on a lifelong passion for Italian food, wine, and genuine service.
Innovation
At Divino Osteria, hospitality is an art form — warm, refined, and deeply personal. From the first welcome to the final toast, our team delivers a dining experience where elegance meets comfort, and every guest is treated like famiglia.
Elegant Hospitality
At Divino Osteria, every detail is crafted to make you feel at home. From warm, attentive service to an inviting atmosphere, we blend Italian charm with genuine care for every guest.
