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Vito’s is bringing a little – scratch that, a lot of – 1960s New York glamour to Sydney’s Bridge Street. The new Italian-American restaurant has taken over the heritage-listed Burns Philp Building, transforming its two levels into a grand dining room filled with red velvet, brass details, six-foot chandeliers and plenty of old-school theatre.
“We want to take you to a different time and place, like 1960s New York, one with theatre, romance, elegance,” says Brett Sergeant, managing director of Sunday Co.
Designed by Craig Madgwick of Design Madgwick, the space is all about opulence, with grand booths, late-night Martinis, Frank Sinatra and a towering 21-foot ceiling.
But it’s not just good looks. The menu, led by ex-Carbone Hong Kong chef Michael Fox, is packed with Italian-American classics, including beef carpaccio with truffle and hazelnut, crab conchiglie and a signature 10-layer lasagne. You also need to order the ricotta cappelletti al ragù: little handmade pasta parcels filled with ricotta, served with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce. Bellissimo.
"Italian-American food is about generosity and comfort, but there's real precision behind the classics," says Michael Fox, executive chef of Vito's. "We've spent months working with the best producers to source exceptional seafood and meat. Every dish on the menu is about respecting the food people know and love, while presenting them with care and refinement."
There’s also a wood-fired grill and, from 10.30pm until late, an after-dark bar menu featuring 18-inch New York-style pizzas. The drinks offering is just as impressive, with a 400-label wine list curated by group head sommelier Antoine Heurtier, alongside a line-up of cocktails.
Award-winning pastry chef Lauren Eldridge has created a menu of Italian desserts, including ricotta and pistachio cannoli and tricolore bombe alaska, featuring almond cake topped with vanilla semifreddo.
Vito’s comes from the team behind Whalebridge and Morrison’s Oyster Bar and Grill, with the group set to open its next venue on the former Ursula’s site in Paddington in April 2027.
“Vito’s has been years in the making, and every detail has been meticulously considered,” says Brett. “We set out to create a restaurant that feels like it’s always been here, and the Bridge Street site was a major part of that.
"After 18 months of planning, designing and building, opening the doors is an incredibly exciting moment for us. Vito’s is the most ambitious thing we have done as a group. We want people to walk through those doors and know they are here to have fun and a memorable experience."
Chuck on an LBD and swing on down.
Make a booking here.
Address: 11 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000,
Note, I was hosted by Vito’s, but our editorial recommendations are always honest. Find out more, here.
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