Vitelli's Upstairs

Overview

Baptist Street Rec. Club is no more. In its place: Vitelli's Upstairs, which brings late-night, New York-Italian energy to Redfern's Wunderlich Lane precinct. From House Made Hospitality — the team behind Hinchcliff House, Martinez and Etheus — the low-lit newcomer draws inspiration from New York's classic red-sauce restaurants, where portions, flavours and vibes are dialled up to 11.

The crowd-pleasing menu by House Made Culinary Director Stephen Seckold and Executive Chef Elliot Pinn centres on nostalgic Italian-American classics made for sharing. Sauce-heavy pasta — made daily by the Grana team — anchors the offering, with staples like pork-and-fennel meatball spaghetti and vodka-sauced pipe rigate topped with chicken parmigiana sitting alongside seasonal dishes like baked rotolo with summer greens and ricotta, and tiger prawn gemelli spiked with Calabrian chilli. Elsewhere, a dedicated milanese section reinforces the comfort-food brief, as do snacks and starters like fried lasagne bites, porchetta-crusted ribs and parmesan-packed garlic bread with a punchy parm dipping sauce.

Steven Woodburn

A 20-seat cocktail bar becomes the centre of gravity as the night unfolds, especially when DJs arrive on Friday and Saturday nights. The drinks list follows the same Italian logic as the food, with a program of aperitivo-friendly cocktails, amari, house-made cellos and Italian wines designed to pair with a late-night bar menu. On it, you'll find dishes like garlic, chilli and broccoli capelli, waffle fries aglio e olio and a Calabrian chilli and stracchino cheeseburger, all available until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

While the menu has undergone a complete overhaul, the space itself received a lighter touch. Dark timber tables and booth seating remain, now joined by burgundy walls, heavy velvet curtains and low-set pendant lighting above candlelit tables. Two new private dining rooms — including one with karaoke — add flexibility and intimacy for group gatherings.

Steven Woodburn

Top images: Steven Woodburn.