Sydney CBD’S Chic New Venue: Conte Sydney
Image from Conte via Flaunter
Experience sophisticated dining at its finest with an all-Italian team plus, indulge in their ultimate 40+ Negroni list.
CONTE Sydney, an ambitious multi-level, design-led Italian fine dining destination in the heart of the CBD, opened just two months ago, and has already made its mark.
Brought to life by passionate Italian and renowned Negroni enthusiast Raffaele Lombardi, alongside wife and respected interior designer Victoria Hampshire of Victoria Hampshire Design, CONTE Sydney is an elegantly designed, multi-level venue. Featuring a striking 6m x 3m full-marble bar, the space exudes a blend of old-school charm and contemporary glamour - in its look, feel, style, and service.
Within its dramatic 130-seat space, defined by soaring 9-metre-high ceilings and floor to ceiling glass, CONTE Sydney offers a variety of atmospheres tailored to every mood. At the heart of it all is the showstopping marble bar, positioned proudly in front of the staircase to take centre stage. Guests can choose from a range of seating experiences: classic restaurant dining, plush banquettes, intimate bar pods for small groups, luxe leather bar stools that invite interaction with bartenders, a mezzanine cocktail lounge, and private dining rooms including the standout 'Negroni Room'.
Signature moss green tiles and contrasting green marbles and deep brass highlights compliment the inside of a deep, red-walled room. Wallpapers from Milanese brand Fornasetti, richly toned curtains predominantly from a (secret) Italian mill and an array of seating, designed and custom made in Sydney - also using Italian leathers - all combine with unique lighting that has also been custom designed exclusively for the space by the pair.
“I have always been attracted to the intensity of deep green and brass,” says Hampshire. “The moss green tiles and Verde Alpe marble, complement the warmth of the parquetry floor and the deep red walls adorned with rare CAMPARI posters; then we have the brass accents, a VHD trademark. These elements reference our home, hotels, life and travels in Italy.”
The street-fronted new venue on Clarence Street is flooded with dappled afternoon light and, once the sun sets, a candle inspired custom designed light installation flickers and elevates the mood of the room. “There is nothing quite like candlelight, it is an element that has always struck both of us since childhood, the mood it creates within interiors or outdoors is ethereal, soothing, mysterious and romantic”.
The desire for growth and a place where their story could evolve lead Lombardi and Hampshire to Clarence St with the intricate build beginning in late 2024. CONTE Sydney’s sophisticated, European but contemporary drinks and dining space has been a long-held ambition of Lombardi and Hampshire and after meticulously supervising every step of the design and construction, the duo couldn’t be more delighted by the response.
CONTE Sydney is the older sibling of the ultra-popular, Bar Conte in Surry Hills - feted as the world’s first fully dedicated Negroni Bar, launching in 2021 to bring the spirit, culture and cuisine of the Italian aperitivo to Sydney. While the inner-city bar opened with a 40+ negroni menu - with premium infused combinations such as the peanut butter Negroni which adds a rich, nutty flavour to the classic ingredients - the surprisingly succinct menu of Italian snacks and share plates, designed for sharing over a cocktail, rapidly turned the corner bar into a must-visit dining sensation – popular with all foodies and negroni-lovers alike.
Says Lombardi, “I have dreamt of this concept for the past 10 years. The negroni is of course my drink of choice and has been since I was a young man growing up in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. It's the ultimate pre-dinner drink and pastime but there has always been more to Bar Conte in us.” Head chef and venue-partner, Steven De Vecchi, offers a well-rounded, extensive fine-dining option – all prepared in the meticulously designed green-tiled open-kitchen. De Vecchi is supported in the kitchen by Giacomo Rilievo, ex Lumi Dining, Pyrmont.
The street-fronted new venue on Clarence Street is flooded with dappled afternoon light and, once the sun sets, a candle inspired custom designed light installation flickers and elevates the mood of the room. ‘There is nothing quite like candlelight, it is an element that has always struck both of us since childhood, the mood it creates within interiors or outdoors is ethereal, soothing, mysterious and romantic’.
Diners can enjoy an a-la-carte menu, including dishes such as recently added Risotto Aragosta for 2: Acquerello rice, saffron, lobster, bisque reduction, chives; Cotoletta alla Milanese: 300gr panko crumbed Veal Cutlet and Ricotta e Pere: candied pear, ricotta mousse, chocolate cremoux, English cream.
In addition to the extensive 30+ choice negroni list, Conte Sydney has the largest collection of Italian Vermouth, Amari (digestives), and Italian Gin ever seen in one venue. The team introduces both a Negroni and Martini food pairing experience, presented by Enzo Tana and have the same intentions with an extensive beer list featuring Trappist and Artisan beers, also with a food pairing. The Beer list is carefully selected by Lombardi, whose palate is extensive. The Wine list is presented by Sommelier Marta Carruccio (Chef, Steven De Vecchi’s wife – ex-Bistro REX) with more news to come. CONTE Sydney’s exclusive imports include the world-famous Vulcanica Vodka, made from rare ancient grains from Mount Etna in Sicily; De Faveri Spumanti, one of the best Prosecco’s in Italy and Marisa Cuomo Costa D’Amalfi wine. Marisa Cuomo is based in the world-famous town of Furore just above Amalfi, her distinguished wine is considered one of the best in Italy and very exclusive, even for locals.
Lombardi inherited a love for Italian art and film from his father, with bright and bold Italian film and drink artwork on display throughout, with a mix of rare originals and prints from Rome and Milan. Hampshire finds herself inspired constantly by Lombardi, his culture, passions and his unique and considerate way of viewing the world.
CONTE Sydney, 151 Clarence Street, Sydney.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 11 am – midnight
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11 am – 1:00 am
Sunday – Closed
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Contact via Conte’s Flaunter profile.