Fratelli Fresh is opening a new Sydney restaurant, taking over the former Rosetta site at Grosvenor Place on Harrington Street in The Rocks.
The new 250-seat, split-level, upscale Fratelli Fresh features a spacious, light-filled dining room, open kitchen, separate bar area, large mezzanine, and a vibrant alfresco terrace with cityscape views. The restaurant is expected to open in late July 2021, with a strong Italian contingent of team members ready to take the reins.
A refurbishment will deliver splashes of signature red, an abundance of lush greenery, and long timber communal tables that are synonymous with the sociable, group-friendly, share-style dining experience at Fratelli Fresh.
Deep red leather banquettes, a mix of white, tan and walnut dining chairs and a flood of natural light from the venue’s distinctive curvaceous windows will see Fratelli Fresh Harrington Street radiating a unique Italian charm.
Stairs lead to a separate stylish bar area for quick bites and pre- or post-dinner drinks, then onwards to a large mezzanine, creating multi-functional spaces for group celebrations and private events.
The stunning outdoor terrace is a heated oasis, with a grove of potted olive and lemon trees creating the perfect backdrop for alfresco spritz sessions, happy hour get-togethers, long lunches and events. Customer bathrooms are relocating from the basement to the convenience of the mezzanine.
An all-star Italian team led by General Manager Laura Betteli and Head Chef Mario Carella will steer the affordable, corporate-friendly, family-accessible menu along the familiar and much-loved Fratelli Fresh path, with an elevated Harrington Street spin. Classic Italian dishes are served with Fratelli’s signature touch, and trademark hand-crafted sourdough Neapolitan-style pizzas are overseen by Head Pizzaiolo William Baffoni.
Fratelli Fresh Food & Beverage Director Molly Haranis and Culinary Director Gabor Denes will guide the creation of seasonal menus and food and drink programs, designed with this preeminent site in mind, including pasta that is made in-house and paired with hearty braises and slow-cooked ragùs for immediate winter satisfaction.
A delightful Mediterranean seafood riff sets the menu apart from its siblings, as well as a revolving line-up of weekly specials inspired by the day’s delivery of fresh seasonal produce. Dolci dreams really do come true with beautiful desserts made daily. Guests can dine in, takeaway to nearby offices, or pick-up on the home run after work. Delivery is available via Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Menulog.
A strong Italian wine, beer, cocktail and revolving spritz menu underscores Fratelli’s reputation as a sought-after post-work drinks destination with a happy hour that is a generous three hours in duration and available seven days a week. Individual drinks are $6 to $8 in price, with spritz jugs $20 each. Pair with antipasti plates for $6 each, or $20 for four, including all-time favourites calamari, bruschetta, zucchini flowers, arancini, marinated olives, fries and garlic bread.
Fratelli Fresh did not renew its lease at its former Bridge Street site post-COVID. Rosetta has been closed to the public since the hospitality industry lockdown in 2020.
Pacific Concepts Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pash said a strategic review of the group’s portfolio led to the decision to retain one Italian restaurant at the northern end of the CBD. Fratelli Fresh – a 17-year-old Sydney institution that first opened in Waterloo – and with a wider customer demographic and broader casual offering was determined to be the group’s core Italian brand in Sydney moving forward, and the correct fit for the Harrington Street site.
“This is an exciting development for our Fratelli team, our guests and the Sydney dining scene,” Mr Pash said.
“We thank all our customers at Fratelli Fresh Bridge Street and Rosetta, who have been loyal to our restaurants over the years and encourage them to continue to support our Italian culinary journey at our new Fratelli Fresh at Harrington Street, The Rocks.”
Note: Fratelli Fresh is part of Pacific Concepts and formerly part of Rockpool Dining Group.