Fatto Bar & Cantina

Originally opening as fine dining destination Trocadero, the prime Southbank property has since been reinvented as Fatto Bar & Cantina, a more relaxed Italian eatery. The austere fit-out of the former has been softened by Projects of Imagination, who have enlivened the space with bright-white tiles, lightboxes and a judicious use of neon.

Likewise, the menu has been entirely overhauled by Anthony Musarra and his head chef, Nick Bennett (formerly of Cicconi’s). Concentrating on ‘punchy Italian share plates,’ Fatto features dishes like beetroot, baked ricotta, pancetta, orange and pistachio salad; or ravioli with roasted broccoli, kale, guanciale and walnuts.

Mussara was adamant Fatto’s be a ‘pizza-free zone’, focusing on vibrant, gutsy flavours with a Sicilian influence. The wine list is equally unpretentious, featuring local and imported Italian varietals from $35 a bottle. Cocktails, of course, make heavy use of Aperol and Campari. The perfect stop before or after a show at the neighbouring Hamer Hall.