About OTTO
OTTO celebrates people, place and la dolce vita. Situated in the spectacular surrounds of the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, OTTO has an undeniable reputation as one of Sydney’s most respected dining institutions, most recently receiving One Hat in the 2025 Good Food Guide.
At the heart of the restaurant is old world hospitality and long-standing relationships held with a fiercely loyal clientele. Approachable yet refined service greets modern Italian cuisine, al fresco dining, and trademark waterside views.
OTTO and leading restaurant group Fink are supported by a long-standing team of passionate executives and staff who work together to maintain OTTO as one of Sydney’s most popular, successful and consistent performers. OTTO is the quintessential Sydney dining experience and has remained a local favourite for 25 years.
Richard Ptacnik
Head Chef
Richard Ptacnik is the Head Chef at OTTO Sydney, leading the team who day in, day out deliver the food that Sydney loves to eat at one of its most famous locations.
Richard joined OTTO in 2004, having worked with some of Europe’s great chefs in Berlin, Switzerland and his native Prague. He worked as James Kidman’s sous chef at OTTO for five years, before assuming the role of Head Chef in late 2009.
Richard’s food style is unashamedly simple – modern Italian with roots firmly placed in the classics. For many it has come to signify the quintessential Sydney cuisine; fresh, seasonal, produce-driven, sourcing the finest ingredients and letting them speak for themselves.
Graham Ackling
Chief Executive Officer
Graham Ackling is the Chief Executive Officer at Fink.
Starting out with a background in finance, Graham searched for a new challenge and the launch of his hospitality career quickly saw him appointed to senior management at some of Sydney, London, and Auckland’s most prestigious restaurants. Returning to Sydney in 2003, Graham began working at Fink’s OTTO Ristorante as a Senior Waiter and Maitre’d, and in 2005 he was appointed to the position of Restaurant Manager.
In 2015, when Fink opened its first interstate restaurant in Queensland, OTTO Brisbane, Graham assumed the role of General Manager of both OTTO Sydney and OTTO Brisbane, ensuring their parallel success.
Francesco “Frankie” Bondi
Restaurant Manager
Francesco “Frankie” Bondi hails from the vibrant coastal town of Rimini in Italy. His passion for hospitality was sparked during his formative years, inspired by his hometown’s lively atmosphere and culture. He honed his knowledge of wine at the Sydney Wine Academy and worked as a sommelier at Toppi and Bar M, before becoming Head Sommelier at OTTO Sydney in 2023.
Now Restaurant Manager, Frankie combines his operational expertise with his deep understanding of wine, cocktails, and fine dining to ensure every guest enjoys a seamless and memorable experience. Dedicated to enriching Sydney’s culinary landscape, he leads the team with warmth, precision, and Italian hospitality, elevating both service and dining at OTTO Sydney.
