Melbourne has welcomed a new rooftop venue to its landscape in the form of Amatrice.
The modern Italian venue is located at the top of Cremorne’s tallest building Cubitt Place on Stephenson Street, joining sibling venue Caffe Amatrice, which is located on the ground floor.
“Melbourne is known for its rooftop bars, but Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant will be doing things a little differently,” says co-owner Alex Brawn.
“First and foremost, we’re a restaurant. The dining offer is the hero and in equal merit to the view, it’s central to the venue experience.”
Guests take a lift up to the 10th floor to access the 80-seater, which has been designed by Brahman Perera.
The restaurant has been split into the main dining room, outdoor seating, and a private dining space that has room for 10 guests.
Head Chef Vincenzo Di Giovanniello joins Amatrice after time at Bar Carolina and Osteria Illaria, and has put together a menu inspired by his Italian heritage.
Pasta plays a lead role here, with options covering egg pasta with classic sauces as well as Roman-style pastas made without egg, which are paired with a guest’s choice of sauce.
“Our egg pasta is really the hero,” says Di Giovanniello. “We source it from the Italian village of Campofilone, the only certified egg pasta in the world – it’s the Champagne of pastas if you will.”
“It’s got the highest egg ratio to any other pasta, so it literally melts in your mouth.”
Other highlights from the menu include veal cotoletta, Murray cod, and marinated half chicken.
Drinks largely celebrate aperitivo-style options, with co-owner Dave Parker selecting options he enjoyed during his time travelling through Northern Italy – think wines from Emilia-Romagna, Alto Piemonte, and the Marche region.
Classic cocktails are also available alongside Peroni on tap, a long list of vermouth, and digestifs.
Amatrice is open Wednesday to Sunday.
