South Yarra scores a new spot for Italian dining, with Julietta opening its doors on the corner of Toorak Road and Chambers Street. The intimate spot focuses on simple and unpretentious food and an approachable drinks list, all served up in an inviting neighbourhood location. While it may be all about the pasta at Julietta, the new venture marks a shift for the team behind the new spot, who are pivoting from Mexican to Italian, coming from beloved and enduring Mamasita. Joss Jenner-Leuthart of Mamasita is joined by the Mexican joint's Executive Chef, Jimmy Garside, and Operations Director, Merilin Nogo, in bringing Julietta to life. "Our vision is for Julietta to be that cosy neighbourhood trattoria or wine bar that you were happy to stumble by while exploring Milan's old streets. Somewhere effortless and unpretentious but where things are still done very well," says Jenner-Leuthart. Inspired by 1960s and 1970s Italian trattorias, Julietta, with European awnings and pavement dining, hand-finished walls, vintage brass lights and plush burgundy banquettes, is timeless and alluring. Shelves stacked with house-pickled vegetables and lined with Italian wines add to the comfortable and family-run feel. Garside's menu focuses on one thing: pasta. "We're not trying to overcomplicate it. It's about doing things really well — pasta at the centre, with dishes that feel familiar, but still worth coming back for," says Garside. Pastas will be both familiar and creative; think cacio e pepe with green peppercorns, lemon-and-tarragon butter prawn ravioli, and an nduja, vodka, and straciatella baked pasta. A considered selection of antipasti and small plates, such as cured meats, Sicilian crudo, potato fritti and whipped ricotta, complements the pasta offering. With Italian-style house wines, a dedicated Negroni menu, and a focused selection of classic desserts, Julietta keeps things approachable, comfortable and familiar. The team want Julietta to be shaped by a sense of ease, rather than saved only for special occasions — a bustling neighbourhood joint that feels like it could have been around forever. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
