Overview
Proving you're never too old for a makeover, the 167-year-old building at 127 Brunswick Street has enjoyed a swift shake-up and hit reset, entering a whole new phase of life. Vince Sofo and Paul Adamo's three-storey site has switched out some former tenants for a couple of brand-new residents and been reborn as the multi-faceted Hotel Fitzroy, featuring an Italian accent and a kitchen headed up by the renowned Maurizio Esposito.
Ground floor Japanese restaurant Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya remains, though it'll soon share its street-level space with a public bar and outdoor dining area, slated to open by the middle of the year.
As for the level above, it has this week reopened as Cappo Sociale — a 150-seat modern Italian diner, complete with a bar, terrace, lounge and private dining room. As executive chef, Esposito (Cecconi's, Il Bacaro, Esposito at Toofeys, Stokehouse) is steering the contemporary Euro food offering, revamping classic Italian flavours with some modern flair and plenty of local ingredients.
Juan Plazas
Up here, you'll find yourself snacking on top-quality salumi alongside your after-work vino, or settling in to feast on plates of handmade pasta. An antipasti selection runs to the likes of seared scallops with pumpkin purée, eggplant-stuffed zucchini flowers and grilled quail wrapped in pancetta and sage. Heartier plates might include the likes of a wagyu ragu pappardelle, seared cuttlefish linguine finished with a squid ink crumble or veal cotoletta with baby capers. And there's pizza aplenty, ranging from the margherita-style La Regina to the Roman Love, which is topped with pork and fennel sausage and rosemary potatoes.
To match, expect a healthy mix of local and Italian vino, a wide range of brews, and cocktails, both classic and creative. Try and squeeze out a few final summer vibes with the Venetian Sunset, blending Ballantine's, Campari, Antica Formula, orange and orgeat.
Also opening its doors this week is the newly reimagined rooftop bar, where you can kick back soaking up city views while enjoying eats and drinks from any of the levels below. And stay tuned for a program of live music, entertainment and local DJ sets, kicking things up a notch on various nights throughout each week.
Find Hotel Fitzroy (Cappo Sociale, Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya and The Rooftop) at 127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. The Hotel Fitzroy Public Bar is set to open by the middle of the year.
Images: Juan Plazas