CBD restaurant Secolo revives Fabbrica Balmain site
The former Fabbrica Pasta Bar site in Balmain has been brought back to life, with the reopening of popular CBD restaurant Secolo.
Hospitality veterans Anthony, Tanja and Robert Arienzale (Vicolo, Sotto) have moved into The Exchange Hotel, revitalising the heritage-listed venue after their predecessor’s sudden exit in late 2023.
The owner-operators had been looking for a new space after making the difficult decision to close their much-loved restaurant on Castlereagh St in the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns and ongoing construction.
“We saw how popular the site was with locals and how much of a void the previous departure left in the community, so when we were given the opportunity to bring our authentic Italian dining experience to the area, we jumped at it,” Tanja says.
“Our restaurants are more than just venues to us.
“We’ve created a space where people can feel comfortable to relax and enjoy themselves, whether that’s over a drink after work or to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends.”
With The Exchange Hotel slated for renovation, Secolo Balmain will initially operate as a pop-up.
But the owners - husband and wife duo Anthony and Tanja, Anthony’s brother Robert and head chef Mattia Senesi (La Favola) - are hopeful they’ll be able to remain a part of the community for much longer.
They have retained the warm and neutral palette of the space, keeping the focus on the heritage of the building.
Pull up a seat at the original walnut timber bar and have a chat with the owners - one of whom is always onsite - and try a Venetian Spritz, the older and more refined cousin of the Aperol.
Having originated in Venice and made using Select Aperitivo 1920, its vibrant red colour and green olive garnish is perfect for afternoons in the sun and social media feeds alike.
Dining tables hug the street-facing, window-clad walls, creating an ambient environment whether it’s at lunch or dinner.
The interiors may be familiar, but Secolo Balmain is an entirely new restaurant offering for the Inner West.
Senesi, who grew up near Lake Como and was initially taught to cook by his nonna, has created an authentic Italian menu featuring modern takes on dishes not often found outside of his home country.
“I want people to feel like they’re dining in Italy,” he says.
Tuck into the extensive antipasti, including Sardinian anchovies, beetroot carpaccio with goats cheese, pine nuts, rocket and house dressing, and burrata with basil pesto, marinated zucchini and olive crumb.
Or take the decadence up a notch with the oven-roasted bone marrow.
Served on the bone and designed to be scooped onto freshly-made focaccia, the crunch of the breadcrumbs perfectly complements the melt-in-your-mouth marrow.
Secolo Balmain’s pastas are all made in-house, and feature the signature blue swimmer crab spaghetti with light tomato, garlic, chilli and herbs from the CBD venue.
There is also rigatoni alla norma, which is made using fried eggplant, tomato, basil and house-baked ricotta, house-made gnocchi served with zucchini pesto, nduja and cacio ricotta, although the menu will change seasonally.
The wine list features an array of Italian varietals from the likes of Piedmont, Veneto and Tuscany, old-world favourites from Burgundy and Provence, a selection of new-world Australian wines, and grappa.
Secolo Balmain will operate inside The Exchange Hotel until at least May.
The restaurant is open for dinner from 5.30pm to 10pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and for lunch on Saturdays.
Visit www.secolo.com.au to make a reservation, with walk-ins also welcome.
ENDS