Coming Soon: Neptune's Grotto Is the Moody Northern Italian Restaurant That's Opening Underneath Clam Bar

After reinvigorating the idea of the New York steakhouse with their inner-city opening Clam Bar (one of our favourite newcomers of 2023), Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson are expanding downwards. Meet Neptune's Grotto, an exciting new subterranean Italian diner which will take over the space beneath the inner-city diner.

This will be the fourth venue from the accomplished and always boundary-pushing trio. They first linked up on Bistrot 916, bringing their respective experience at award-winning venues such as Restaurant Hubert, 10 William Street, Alberto's Lounge and Rockpool Dining Group to the sleek French bistro in Potts Point.

Since then, they've brought the Harbour City Surry Hills' Pellegrino 2000, a mainstay on our best restaurants in Sydney list and the spot that none other than Taylor Swift chose to dine at while in town — plus the aforementioned Clam Bar, a CBD collision course of the luxurious and the fun, bringing together prawn cocktails and egg salad with caviar and porterhouse steaks.

Pasta at Pellegrino 2000

Clam Bar is located on top of the expansive underground space that was formerly home to Tokonoma by Toko. That's where Neptune's Grotto will be located, arriving on the corner of Young and Bridge Street with a menu dedicated to Northern Italian cooking and a hidden entrance around on Loftus Lane.

When it arrives in the Sydney CBD right by Circular Quay at some point in May, guests can expect a selection of dishes built around stuffed pasta and slow-cooked sauces, with regional specialties like tortellini alla panna being given the spotlight. As with all of Pepperell, Clift and Tyson's venues, there will be a playful, one-of-a-kind energy differentiating Neptune's Grotto from your standard Italian restaurant.

The space when it operated at Tokonoma.

Bistrot 916, Cassandra Hannagan.

Pellegrino 2000

Clam Bar, Jason Loucus.

Neptune's Grotto will arrive at the corner of Young and Bridge Street in May 2024. Keep an eye on the Neptune's Grotto Instagram page to stay up to date.