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There’s a new Italian trattoria in town, and it’s bringing a little dolce vita to Melbourne. Roma is the new venture from hospitality heavyweight Con Christopoulos – the man behind local institutions like Siglo and Kirk's Wine Bar – along with chef and co-owner Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan).
Right on Collins Street, Roma channels the soul of the Eternal City, transforming the space into a buzzing Roman-style trattoria complete with a piazza-inspired terrace, courtyard garden and plenty of vintage Italian charm. Step inside and admire the black-and-white checkered floors, antique lighting, artisan masonry and a dramatic green-and-white ceiling inspired by the Beverly Hills Hotel. It’s old-world hospitality with a fresh outlook.
The 100-seat Italian restaurant takes its cues from the trattorias of Rome, with executive chef Wilkinson leaning into the Roman tradition of quinto quarto (“the fifth quarter”), where the less desirable cuts left over after butchering were transformed by poorer communities into rich, flavour-packed dishes.
Once considered humble fare, these offal-based recipes are now celebrated across Rome’s old-school trattorias and contemporary restaurants alike. At Roma, you can sample dishes like pajata (intestines) and coratella (lamb entrails) alongside a concise pasta menu, regional Italian classics and a wine list spotlighting vino from the Lazio region around Rome, European bottles and Aussie favourites.
But wait, there’s more. The very same team will open Sergio’s, a late-night New York-Italian diner, just opposite Roma in June. Saluti!
For more info and to make a booking, head to the website.
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