Overview
They've taken us through the streets of Japan with Tokyo Tina, sent our tastebuds tripping across Vietnam with their Hanoi Hannah stable and, most recently, immersed us in modern Chinese flavours at their Balaclava diner Moonhouse.
Now, the Commune Group is gearing up to hit the next stop on its global food tour, announcing plans for its latest project, Studio Amaro — an Italian bar and eatery to open in Windsor this spring.
The team's diving into unchartered territory in more ways than one, with this Chapel Street venue set to be its largest yet. It'll boast a 100-seat dining room at ground level, leading down to a DJ-fuelled, subterranean drinking den with space for an extra 60.
Open from lunch through dinner and on into late-night revelry, this big corner site will be celebrating the classic flavours of Italy across an offering that's bright and lively, yet steeped in simplicity.
"Studio Amaro is our interpretation of Italian dining done in a very Melbourne way: communal, casual dining," explains the group's Creative Director Simon Blacher. "I can't wait to see tables filled with spilled wine, pasta sauce and lots of laughter." There'll be more to come on the menus soon.
Alongside the eats, the venue's set to dish up a considered music offering, with a diverse lineup of artist residencies to grace the downstairs DJ decks and plenty of focus given to the overall sonic experience.
Meanwhile, Bergman & Co (La Fantaisie, Poodle, Chancery Lane) are looking after the interiors, delivering a warm, nostalgic setting complete with yellow corduroy banquettes.
Find Studio Amaro at 168 Chapel Street, Windsor, launching this spring. It'll open daily from 12pm–late.
Images: Julia Sansone