By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The highly anticipated opening of Conte Sydney has an official date - with the ambitious multi-level venue set to fling open its Clarence Street doors on Wednesday, April 2!
As the brainchild of Raffaelle Lombardi (a passionate Italian and confessed Negroni devotee) and his partner, esteemed interior designer Victoria Hampshire of Victoria Hampshire Design, the older sibling to Surry Hills’ wildly successful Bar Conte - hailed as the world’s first Negroni-dedicated bar - is set to elevate the Italian aperitivo experience to dazzling new heights in the Harbour City.
Since launching Bar Conte in 2021, Raffaelle and Victoria have cultivated a cult-like following with a 40+ Negroni menu, showcasing exquisite infusions like rhubarb, beetroot and mezcal alongside rare Italian amari and vermouths. While originally conceived as a cocktail haven, its concise yet masterfully curated menu of Italian share plates turned the venue into a foodie hotspot. The overwhelming success of Bar Conte made it clear: Sydney was ready for something bigger, bolder and even more immersive.
Enter Conte Sydney - a grand, European-inspired but thoroughly modern space, carefully designed to capture the soul of Italian hospitality. The extensive build began in late 2024, with Raffaelle and Victoria meticulously overseeing every detail of the design and construction.
Raffaelle reflects: "I have dreamt of this concept for the past 10 years. The Negroni has always been my drink of choice, from my early days in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, but we never expected to see Bar Conte reach so many people. The venue’s popularity blew us away and the time felt right for a larger, more sophisticated space that we know Sydneysiders will love as much as we do.”
The culinary experience at Conte Sydney is led by Head Chef and venue partner, Steven De Vecchi, who has spent months crafting a menu that seamlessly bridges fine dining and convivial Italian feasting. Many of the dishes have been quietly trialled at Bar Conte, with diners unknowingly taking part in an extended taste test.
Now, Steven is ready to unveil his full vision in the venue’s meticulously designed, green-tiled open kitchen. Expect standout dishes like gambero rosso tartare with red prawn, pickled jalapeño and bottarga; indulgent lobster risotto with acquerello rice and lobster bisque reduction; and the exquisite anatra - duck breast with beetroot purée and crispy cabbage. The menu, an elegant yet unpretentious ode to Italian culinary traditions, will be complemented by an extensive drinks selection curated with as much passion as the food itself.
Spanning 130 seats across multiple levels, Conte Sydney offers a dynamic array of dining and drinking spaces, from an intimate restaurant setting and banquette seating to bar pods, stools, a mezzanine cocktail lounge and private dining rooms - including the signature ‘Negroni Room.’
The interior, envisioned by Raffaelle and brought to life by Victoria, exudes timeless elegance with its signature moss-green tiles, rich marbles and deep brass accents. Fornasetti wallpapers from Milan, luxurious curtains sourced from an Italian mill and custom-designed Sydney-made seating upholstered in Italian leather all contribute to the venue’s sumptuous aesthetic.
Adding to the romance, a custom-designed candlelight-inspired installation casts a warm, flickering glow, enhancing the already atmospheric space.
Beyond its impeccable design, the drinks menu at Conte Sydney is set to be unparalleled. Boasting the largest collection of Italian vermouth, amari and gin ever assembled in one venue, the bar will also introduce a Negroni and Martini food pairing experience, curated by Enzo Tana.
Beer enthusiasts can look forward to an artisanal selection, including Trappist and craft brews, meticulously chosen by Raffaelle himself.
Meanwhile, the wine list, under the expert guidance of Sommelier Marta Carruccio (wife of Chef De Vecchi and formerly of Bistro Rex), will showcase an impeccable lineup of Italian and local vintages, with exclusive imports such as Vulcanica Vodka from Sicily’s Mount Etna, De Faveri Spumanti and Marisa Cuomo Costa D’Amalfi wines.
A true love letter to Italian culture, art and film, the venue’s walls will be adorned with rare and original prints sourced from Rome and Milan - a homage to Raffaelle’s deep-rooted appreciation for the bold, cinematic aesthetic of his homeland.
"We wanted people to both feel and see the light when they visit Conte,” he explains. Victoria echoes this sentiment, adding: "Creating the right mood and atmosphere is paramount. Our goal was to design a space that appeals to the senses, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression.”
With bookings now open via Bar Conte Surry Hills, Conte Sydney is gearing up to redefine the city’s late-night dining and aperitivo scene. A place where elegance meets warmth, where Negronis flow and flavours linger long into the evening…
