The folks at Commune Group, responsible for fellow Southside gems Firebird, Hanoi Hannah and Tokyo Tina, have added to their collection yet another ambitious project: a two-level Italian dining and drinking space alluringly christened Studio Amaro.
The multi-purpose venue isn't just another place to wine and dine, with a generous focus on music and DJ residencies. Think disco, funk and plenty of Euro nostalgia.
On the food and drink front, expect no-nonsense aperitivo drops, a sharp selection of wines and beer, and classic Italian staples designed for sharing.
“Studio Amaro is our interpretation of Italian dining done in a very Melbourne way: communal, casual dining," says Simon Blacher, creative director of the Commune Group. "I can’t wait to see tables filled with spilled wine, pasta sauce and lots of laughter."
The open kitchen allows patrons to watch head chef Daniel Migliaccio work his magic as he and his team prepare antipasti, charcoal-grilled meats and seasonally informed handmade pastas. And in homeage to the eatery's namesake, the Italian herbal liqeur Amaro makes an appearance in plenty of cocktails and liquid desserts.
The dining room on the ground floor seats 100 while the buzzing basement bar, designed for a bit of a boogie and a bop, allows room for 60 more people. It's Commune Group's biggest venue to date, the sort of place where you can enjoy a long boozy dinner with mates and then party downstairs to a hot, heaving DJ set that runs into the wee hours.
Make a booking at the website to be among the first to check out the new space. Studio Amaro offers lunch and dinner seven days a week, 12pm until late.
