Coming Soon: Prahran Italian Espresso Bar Officine Zero Is Reopening as Officina Gastronomica Italiana

Change is brewing in Prahran — or simmering, perhaps. Italian espresso bar Officine Zero is preparing to unveil its new identity: Officina Gastronomica Italiana, or OGI for short.

Relaunching sometime this spring, OGI will operate in a space twice the size of Officine Zero, creating more room for culinary exploration. But the real game changer is the addition of a dinner menu.

If you're worried about suffering caffeine withdrawal though, don't be — Officine Zero is still operating in its espresso bar and deli capacity for breakfast and lunch. It will close briefly before reopening mid-spring with dinner service under its new moniker.

Owner and Emilia-Romagna native Claudio Casoni leads an all-Italian headline act, with OGI set to serve handmade pasta by Turin-born chef Gabriele Coniglio and artisan wines selected by front-of-house manager Armando Al Khatib, who hails from Florence.

The menu at OGI will be a tribute to locally sourced seasonal ingredients. And those wines? They'll span a carefully curated selection of Italian vino to match.

The heart of OGI is its central bar, a versatile space where patrons can start their day with a caffeine jolt, transition into a laidback afternoon with a glass of wine and conclude the evening with a relaxing dinner. The bar will also feature a tempting array of small plates, ideal for sharing.

"When I originally opened Officine Zero in 2014, I always planned for it to be more than an espresso bar," said Casoni, announcing OGI.

"I wanted to share my passion for Italian artisans, commitment to sustainable producers and good old-fashioned hospitality with the local community. Now, with the opportunity to expand our footprint and relaunch Officina Gastronimica Italiana, I have my chance."

Officine Zero will relaunch as Officina Gastronomica Italiana in mid-spring 2023 at 532/534 Malvern Road, Prahran — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.