For those yet to glimpse the cutting-edge aesthetics of The Fantauzzo underneath the Story Bridge, the experience can be best described as an alluring sensory banquet. Matching the hotel’s gorgeous interiors with a corresponding dining option is no easy task, but if any cuisine can match the hotel’s visual details with depth of flavour, it’s Italian. Polpetta is the newly open restaurant situated on the ground floor of The Fantauzzo, a destination looking to woo with mouth-watering morsels inspired by the streets of Rome. The restaurant has been conceived in collaboration with famed restaurateur and chef Justin North, who teamed up with The Fantauzzo’s food and beverage manager Jason Erasmus and executive chef Steven Herold (formerly of Kennigo Social House) to put together Polpetta’s relaxed atmosphere and menu. Polpetta’s interiors evoke the spirit of authentic Italian trattorias, with exposed concrete and dark tiled floors offset by warm timbers, greenery and colourful pops – plus some glimpses of Vincent Fantauzzo works in the adjoining foyer.
Polpetta’s menu has been purposefully streamlined, celebrating authentic ingredients and flavours instead of artifice and clutter. Diners are undoubtedly in for a sumptuous repast, with options extending from breakfast through to dinner, every day and night of the week. Elevated classics include veal and pork meatballs with tomato sugo and smoked scamorza, house-made orecchiette with market fish, saffron, mussels, cherry tomato and white wine butter sauce, and 12-month aged carnaroli risotto al fungi with tarragon and celeriac cream. For some delizioso dessert, Polpetta’s espresso, chocolate and mascarpone tiramisu and orange pannacotta with pistachio biscotti and poached rhubarb are sure-fire winners. Polpetta’s drinks selection includes Seedlip-based mocktails, classic aperitivos, beers from Peroni, Birra Moretta and Felons Brewing Co., Australian and Italian wines and spirits.
Polpetta is now open at The Fantauzzo. Head to the Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.