By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
While many locals strapped themselves in for a grand-final focused long weekend that pitted Melbourne against Brisbane, Sydney quietly scored a hole-in-one win of its own for food, design and lifestyle - with Dodici and Tempo officially opening at Newgreens Chatswood.
Far from your standard dining precinct, Newgreens blends Italian-inspired cuisine, casual all-day dining, wellness and yes, golf - giving rugby league the cold shoulder and teeing up a new kind of ball game. Think clubhouse vibes, sweeping valley views and a place where every meal feels like a perfectly struck drive down the fairway.
Dodici sits at the top of the clubhouse like the 18th green with a view. Inside, Head Chef Fabio Durpetti (Unico Ristorante) lines up every plate with the precision of a pro golfer reading a tricky putt.
Signature dishes are equal parts inventive and indulgent. Tiramisushi, a playful tiramisu-meets-sushi creation, scores a sweet birdie. Blueberry pappardelle with slow-cooked venison ragu delivers a rich, earthy par and wood-fired Italian sausage, sold by the metre, keeps the conviviality rolling straight down the fairway. Every plate is a shot of pure indulgence, while seasonal, produce-driven menus keep things as fresh as the green.
Tempo sits on the ground floor like a perfectly placed tee box - the start of a day full of possibilities. Breakfasts are vibrant enough to fuel even the most ambitious round - Brazilian acai bowls, Belgian waffles drowning in Nutella and all-day big breakfasts that could power a professional golfer.
Later in the day, the menu keeps the game exciting with salt-and-pepper calamari, juicy burgers and paninis. Sticky date pudding and seasonal vegan sorbets close the round on a sweet note, because every hole deserves a reward.
Both venues shine in a clubhouse designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by Nic Graham (QT Hotels, W Hotels) that balance contemporary luxury with relaxed comfort. Plush textures, natural light and thoughtful design make every meal feel like a victory lap, whether you’re dining in Dodici’s elevated room or sipping a flat white in Tempo’s bustling café.
Nestled in a protected green valley overlooking the Lane Cove River, the precinct is soon set to host Australia’s first purpose-built 12-hole golf course. Modern schedules meet serious style with a mix of Par 3s, 4s and 5s, expansive practice facilities and a curated golf retail shop. Quick nine? Full swing? The course fits every agenda without the usual wait time.
"At Dodici, we want every plate to tell a story - of the ingredients, of Italian traditions and of the joy that comes from sharing food with the people you love,” says Chef Fabio.
Whether you’re chasing a perfect par, indulging in a rolled take on Italy's famed layered dessert, or enjoying a casual smoothie between holes, Newgreens Chatswood is a full-course lifestyle experience. Food, fun and flawless views are all par for the course here.
Dodici and Tempo are open daily. Book your tee time at www.newgreenschatswood.com.au
