Meet our Warragamba Restauranteer
Anthony took over the Pietro Restaurant legacy in 2021 and has continued to bring delicious food, love and energy to Warragamba. Read on to find out more about why Anthony jumped at the opportunity to run his dream restaurant in the Dilly.
Let’s start off with a little bit about you
I am Anthony Penna the Owner of Pietro Italian Restaurant. I am 44 years young and love my family, food, cool cars and love my music. You will hear my rocking some country music which on a Saturday night from 7:30 at our restaurant, but I love all music from metal and classic rock to high energy dance.
Professionally, I have a history in motorsport and mining transport, my previous business was Select Quarry Materials in which I was one of 3 directors who ran one of the largest independently owned quarry material reselling companies in Sydney, I remained in that industry for near 22 years.
And a little bit about your business?
Pietro Italian Restaurant is a place where you come and enjoy authentic Southern Italian style cooking in a chilled but fun environment catering for guests at the restaurant and private functions. We have capacity to seat up to 110 people comfortably.
Established as Pietro Ristorante Italiano 12 or so years ago under previous management of Peter (Pietro) and I purchased the business in July 2021 with the dream to continue the great food and bring new love and energy to the restaurant. July 2021 was one of the toughest economic times for hospitality and we rebranded to Pietro Italian Restaurant, gave the building a fresh look inside and continued to build to the restaurant we have today. We kept Pietro as a business name, out of respect to the previous owner and what he had accomplished prior to our taking over.
What’s your favourite recipe?
Roast pork-loin roll with roasted vegetables, Peperonata and pasta Aglio e olio.
Why Warragamba for your business?
I love Warragamba and have so many childhood memories here. As a kid our family would drive from the Fairfield area to enjoy family picnics at the iconic Warragamba Dam, just thinking about it brings so many happy times flooding back. If you haven’t seen Warragamba Dam, it is a must see for locals and out of towners, but in saying this if you jump in your car and explore Wollondilly you will find many beautiful places to stop, relax and support local businesses.
Now, being local to the Warragamba area, I understand how the area is enriched with so much of Sydney’s history, it is an iconic Wollondilly town.
I always wanted to open a venue in Warragamba. I see Warragamba as such a beautiful little town with so much potential, so when I was offered to purchase one of my favourites established restaurants, I jumped at the opportunity.
What are some of your other favourite Dilly businesses?
When not eating and drinking from my own restaurant I enjoy a coffee from Horse and Harpy on Silverdale Road, Silverdale. I pay many visits to Ambrosia in Silverdale, where we pick up fresh produce for use in our kitchen. Stavros (Steve) and Dawn, along with brother Andrew have always treated me like family.
And just for fun…what was your first job?
I grew up watching Smokey and the Bandit as a kid and wanted to be a truck driver. However, my first job was working in the Penna Family General Store in Rossmore.
