When NSW announced its new liquor laws, many venues (particularly in the famed party strip of Kings Cross) were concerned about of what would become of their businesses.
In response, Rocco Tozzi and Nate Johnson have hatched a plan for a new local for the Potts Point community, creating a late-night restaurant (as opposed to a bar, in which case they would have to lock patrons out at 1.30am) which would serve as a safe haven when all the other bars in the area shut.
Upon stepping inside the dark space on Kellet Street, patrons are greeted with vintage rock‘n’roll posters, mismatched cushions in booths and plastic flowers adorning the dining-room ceiling. The back patio is intimate with one big booth, and a variety of nooks and crannies.
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SIGN UP“Initially the idea was a pop-up. We wanted to create a venue in response to the new laws and when the team at Stolen Rum heard what we were doing, they wanted to get involved,” Tozzi explains. Stolen Rum commissioned the Alex Lehours mural that adorns Rocafelas’ intimate, covered outdoor area and helped launch the venue, although it holds no association beyond what’s being served behind the bar. Along with Stolen Rum cocktails, a wide selection of beers, wine and Italian aperitivi are on offer.
The menu at Rocafelas is simple Italian street food. An selection of sides, pastas and pizze adorn a menu full of classic Italian flavours. The menu includes pork and fennel sausage pizza and angel hair spaghetti with prosciutto, rocket and chilli oil. For snacks, don’t go past the meatballs, settled warmly in a rich tomato and Italian herb sauce.
Rocafelas
1 Kellet Street, Potts Point
(02) 9360 0260
Hours
Tue to Thurs 6pm–1am
Fri to Sun 6pm–3am