Man pleads guilty to Sydney mall murder

A man has pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-partner's dinner companion at a Sydney restaurant.

Alexander Villaluna, 45, brutally attacked Keith Collins and Jovi Pilapil as they dined at a restaurant at the Hornsby Westfield shopping centre in March 2016.

Appearing via video link in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, Villaluna pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Collins and wounding Ms Pilapil with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.

At the time, it was alleged Ms Pilapil had taken out an apprehended violence order against Villaluna less than two months before the attack.

The pair, who were thought to be on their first date, were stabbed numerous times, police alleged.

The attack was witnessed by numerous onlookers. Ms Pilapil underwent surgery for her injuries.