A martini bar that serves classic snacks might be just the reason you head to Melbourne’s newest spot Pepe’s Parlour in the CBD. It’s the charming newcomer from the iconic restaurant and garden lounge Pepe’s Italian & Liquor on Exhibition Street.
If you love an atmospheric nod to a bygone era; one that riffs on 1930s art deco and 40s swagger, then Pepe’s Parlour is the destination that fits the day to night cocktail hour brief. It’s a cosy spot to gather around the 150-year-old Coral tree which is housed under a flexible glasshouse space.
Pepe’s Italian & Liquor has been peddling classic Italian food since 2019, and now, Head Chef Antonino Loffredo gives us all the reasons to never skip lunch again at the curated Italian deliciousness at Pepe’s Parlour.
You’ll find Italian sandwiches such as an eggplant parmigiana and chicken cacciatore dip here, or choose from the six lunch plates that comes with three sides including cured Aperol salmon with avocado, pistachio pesto green beans and goddess cos salad.
We spoke to owner Nick Kutcher for our At the Bar series.
MY CITY
Diversity. We have great examples of most of the world’s great cuisines. Also, an unbelievable bar scene and great art and entertainment culture.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
I still remember the night I got engaged in France in 2005. We dined at Joel Robuchon at the counter and had a mint granita as one of the dessert courses. That still lives very strongly in my memory.
FAVOURITE BAR
The Polo Lounge in LA. I order a vodka martini extra dry with a twist. The drink itself isn’t the best, but the atmosphere, music and general vibe make it one of my most favourite places on earth.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
The Velvet Flame – 60 ml Reposado Tequila, 15 ml Ancho Reyes liqueur, 10 ml Aperol, 20ml Fresh lime juice, 5 ml Agave syrup, 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
As sad as it sounds, it would be McDonald’s – 10 nuggets, triple cheeseburger and a Coke Zero.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Shell House in Sydney. It’s a big town, and this bar fits the Sydney brief of sexy, beautiful and serving great drinks.
OVERSEAS BAR
Grand Central Station Oyster Bar in NYC. It’s pretty touristy, which means it gets overlooked on most lists, but the space and oyster selection are second to none. Wash them down with champagne.
FAVOURITE WINE
We mostly drink happy wine, so something like a Chablis fits the brief for family dinners. Nothing too serious with us.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Ocean 8. They do amazing Pinot and Chardonnay, and the property is amazing. Awesome cellar door experience.
NEXT DESTINATION
New York in October for a week of research, which should be quite fun.
Why the decision to expand the restaurant footprint with a new lunch to cocktail venue?
The restaurant has been consistently busy since we reopened from COVID and we were turning people away most nights, so we wanted another bar area. We decided to make it all about Martinis, and the space is beautiful.
What did you have in mind, design/aesthetic-wise and how did Dutch artist Jordy come on board for the artwork?
We tried our best to make it as pretty as possible. We also wanted it to be quite feminine as the main restaurant is a lot more masculine.
What is the hospitality city trade like for you?
We have been very lucky (touch wood) since COVID. We have worked really hard on our product and have traded well through the period. We just keep working on making the experience as good as possible, and hopefully the people keep turning up.
