Overview
Sydney hospitality giant Merivale announced its expansion into regional Victoria last May with the news it had purchased the historic Lorne Hotel. Since then, the group has stayed hush on its exact plans for the coastal site — until now. It's just been confirmed the Great Ocean Road pub will play host to a fifth outpost of Merivale's much-loved Italian eatery Totti's, slated to open this coming February.
Launching as the group's first Victorian opening, the restaurant will be helmed by Merivale Executive Chef (and Totti's creator) Mike Eggert, along with Lorne Hotel Executive Chef and Surf Coast local Matt Germanchis. It'll take over the Ground Floor space formerly home to MoVida Lorne, where Germanchis was most recently on the pans.
Steven Woodburn
The venue's set to plate up a faithful interpretation of the Italian fare that's earned Totti's its cult status up north, though with a few twists and new creations courtesy of the local chef. Familiar favourites will be in strong supply, from the puffy wood-fired bread to the fresh house pasta; while the hotel's location will guide the menu's expansive seafood offering, showing off plenty of locally sourced ocean-fresh inclusions.
Similarly, the drinks list is set to zero in on Victorian winemakers and producers, across a broad-ranging lineup of drops for all tastes.
Germanchis, by Hugh Davidson
As for the vibe, it'll also embrace the restaurant's coastal setting, the space just as well suited to long weekend lunches, as to thirsty walk-ins strolling fresh off the beach. And you can expect foreshore views from every seat in the house.
Totti's has proved a winning concept in Sydney since the opening of its OG Bondi outpost. The stable has expanded to include venues in Rozelle, the Sydney CBD and, as of August, Allianz Stadium, where Merivale has taken over the entire food and drink offering.
Hugh Davidson
Steven Woodburn
Totti's Sydney, by Nikki To
Find Totti's Lorne at 176 Mountjoy Pde, Great Ocean Rd, Lorne, from February, 2023. We'll share more details as they drop.
Top Image: Steve Woodburn