Perched atop Cremorne’s tallest building, the much-anticipated Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant is now open, ready to welcome locals and Melburnians alike.
Offering spectacular views of the city skyline, this modern-Italian dining destination promises a unique experience in the heart of Cremorne. Situated on the rooftop of Cubitt Place at 16 Stephenson Street, Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant is the crowning jewel following its sister venue, Caffé Amatrice, which opened on the ground floor in September.
Behind this Italian venture are hospitality veterans Dave Parker, along with Kelly and Alex Brawn, who have drawn inspiration from the picturesque Italian village of Amatrice. “We’re excited to be bringing an offering to Cremorne that’s wanted and needed. Melbourne is known for its rooftop bars, but Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant will be doing things a little differently,” says co-owner Alex Brawn. “First and foremost – we’re a restaurant, the dining offer is the hero and in equal merit to the view, it’s central to the venue experience.”
Accessed via a stylish lift lobby designed by Splinter Society Architecture, the venue reaches the tenth floor where award-winning interior designer Brahman Perera has crafted an elegant setting. The design nods to the chic allure of globally recognised venues like the Soho House rooftops, featuring imported red marble tables, red velvet banquette seating, and aqua subway tiles. Sculptural lighting and overhanging pendant shades from Arturo Alvarez add layers of sophistication, while olive trees and a retractable glass roof enhance the indoor-outdoor ambience.
Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Vincenzo Di Giovanniello, whose Italian heritage shines through in a menu that celebrates pasta. “Our egg pasta is really the hero,” Vincenzo says. “We source it from the Italian village of Campofilone, the only certified egg pasta in the world – it’s the Champagne of pastas if you will. It’s got the highest egg ratio to any other pasta, so it literally melts in your mouth.”
The menu is a journey through Italian culinary traditions, featuring both egg and Roman-style non-egg pastas with classic sauces. Signature dishes include their take on sugo all’Amatriciana and maccheroncini di Campofilone al ragu. Complementing these are Italian snacks, small plates, and mains like mini lasagne, veal cotoletta, and marinated half chicken. Desserts like tiramisu and bomboloni filled with raspberry crème patisserie or pistachio provide a sweet finish.
Drinks at Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant celebrate aperitivo culture, with a selection of cocktails, wines, and Australian bitters. Influenced by Dave Parker’s Northern Italy travels, the wine list features Italian imports from boutique wineries. For those seeking alternatives, Peroni beer on tap and a curated list of vermouths and amaro offer the perfect sunset libation. Their signature cocktail, Amatrice Airlines, reimagines the classic paper plane with a local twist.
Available for private events, the venue can host groups from 20 to 100 people across its main outdoor deck, private dining room, or glasshouse dining area. “It’s pretty hard to turn down pasta and an amaro with a view, and we’ll have two of the best in Melbourne, what’s not to love,” says co-owner Dave Parker.
Whether you’re seeking a casual bite or a memorable dining experience with a view, Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant invites you to savour the flavours of modern Italy. Walk-ins are welcome, and bookings can be made via their website. Visit them at 16 Stephenson St, Cremorne, and experience one of Melbourne’s finest new dining spots.
Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant Level 10/16 Stephenson St, Cremorne VIC 3121
Monday & Tuesday – closed
Wednesday – 4:30pm – late
Thursday – Saturday – 12pm – late
Sunday – 12pm – 6:30pm
Walk-ins and bookings available via the website