Overview
The start of the new year brings many exciting restaurant openings to Sydney, including an old-school Italian joint coming to The Rocks. Grappa, a beloved Leichhardt establishment, is set to open its second outpost in early 2026, in an iconic building within The Rocks.
Charlie Colosi and his father, Antonio, opened Grappa in 1999. Ever since, it has been serving classic Italian food, and a healthy selection of wines with a cellar boasting over 300 bottles. And no surprise given its moniker, the venue also specialises in grappa, with over 100 varietals to sample.
Now, Charlie and his wife Virginie are bringing their well-known old-school hospitality, warm service and timeless food to a vibrant new spot in the CBD. "The Rocks has an energy we've always loved, and bringing Grappa there just felt right, especially in the iconic building that housed the first Rockpool. We're all about old-school hospitality: making guests feel at home the second they walk in. The food will always be our pride and joy — all pasta, pizzas, bread and desserts are made in-house, and the wood-fire oven will bring the same flavour people know from Leichhardt, with the addition of custom wood-fired grills from the Brick Chef to cook amazing seafood, meats and vegetables," says Charlie.
While the new venue will resemble its predecessor in its food and hospitality offerings, it will be elevated with a cocktail bar and al fresco dining with enviable views of the harbour bridge. Charlie says, "We want guests to feel like they've had a night in Italy without leaving Sydney. Great wine at fair prices, a standout grappa list, and an amazing vintage bar upstairs where people can go and unwind after a big meal. We can't wait to open the doors and start looking after people the way we do best."
Images: Supplied.