With Sydney lifting its controversial lock-out laws, the newfound spring in the step of the city’s nightlife has been welcomed by locals and businesses alike. Adding to the buzz is one of Sydney’s better-known Italian restaurants, Matteo Downtown, who have opened its doors to a new bar, just when we were wondering where to get an another after-work aperitivo.

The new sleek bar space is the conversion of what was once the restaurants café and breakfast portion, drawing inspiration from the Italian cities of Milan and Venice, hoping to capture a sense of nostalgia and vibrancy.

The venue and menu are overwhelmingly Italian as found in bar-snacks like the smoked trout and finger lime cannoli and the sizable Negroni menu. Who knew a cocktail could be so versatile. The custom interior sings earth tones and subtle brass details to pull together the plush velvet green and blue furniture. A tasteful, and maybe cliched collection of Italian art by Daimon Downey frames the bar area… in case you forgot it was an Italian joint.

And whilst a Negroni never goes awry – if an extensive spirits list is what you’re after – the menu’s theme speaks mostly Italian. If that’s your language then there’s plenty of space for exploration with Italian spirits and small-batch liqueur such as Italicus, a curious composition of Rolio di Bergamotto made from native Italian botanicals and Strega, a saffron imbued herbaceous liqueur.

Beyond the masterfully curated food and beverage menu, there’s a lot to be said of the team at Matteo Downtown, channel the restaurant’s charm through their meticulous attention to detail.

And with the city of Milan currently in lockdown, Matteo Downtown’s bar is the trip that city-slickers dream of – without the torturous 23-hour flight.

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