Gallery: Access Readers’ Preview at Grill Americano Sydney

The lavish Venetian steakhouse – known for white-jacketed waiters, silver service and tableside theatrics – has found its Sydney home in the historic Qantas House building. With a glitteringly timeless fit-out and a kitchen more than twice the size of its Melbourne sibling, this Grill Americano was ready and willing to deliver a hefty brasserie-inspired menu. Including, of course, that famous tiramisu.

Under Lucas, who’s behind a bunch of Melbourne dining rooms like Maison Batard, Kisume and Society – plus Sydney’s Chin Chin – and executive chef Vincenzo Ursini (Ristorante Reale, Le Calandre, Mugaritz) the new venue offers a mix of dishes: some imported from down south, some tweaked for local tastes, and some standalone originals.

At the sold-out event, Access members were treated to delicacies such as tuna tartare with avocado and chilli; prosciutto San Daniele with bufala mozzarella and grissini; and rigatoni with wagyu beef and porcini ragu; before turning their attentions to the grill. Bistecca was served with a generous slew of condiments – plus house fries and insalata mista – before tiramisu scooped tableside, containing plenty of tempered choc layers for a satisfying crunch.

With the room buzzing, Lucas regaled diners with plenty of behind-the-scenes tales from the restaurant launch – including the fun fact that it’s home to one of only two Campari soda machines in the country. Access members were also among the first to learn that the venue will be serving breakfast from early next year. (Morning bistecca, anyone?)

If you missed out, don’t worry. Access hosts exclusive restaurant previews like this whenever there’s a hot new venue opening in Melbourne or Sydney. To stay in the know, and nab your seat at the next one, join our membership program today.