Darling Point restaurant Bei Amici sold after 18 years

Much-loved Darling Point restaurant Bei Amici has been sold for just the second time in its 28-year history.

Owners Felix Rutz and Leigh Cholakos have called time on the neighbourhood Italian bistro they have called home for almost two decades, with the pair set to hand over the keys to the new owners on May 15.

The hospitality veterans opened Bei Bar and Bistro in the heritage-listed former Casoni building in Darlinghurst’s Taylor Square in December, with Rutz now set to head up the kitchen full-time.

“One of the things that attracted me to the venue was the open kitchen,” he said.

“I feel more connected and it gives me more opportunities to meet and interact with our guests.”

The chef of 40 years said he was looking forward to experimenting more with his Mediterranean-inspired menu, which features everything from smoked mozzarella and parmesan tartelettes to tagliolini with Alaskan king crab with chilli, garlic and lemon and chestnut panna cotta with poached plums and grappa.

“I want to have some fun during this next phase of my career,” he said.

“Many of the dishes here are those that we’ve tried and fell in love with while we’ve been travelling through places like France, Italy and Greece.

“The Mediterranean diet is also one of the best in the world, so people can come and indulge in deliciously fresh food, without feeling like they’re compromising their wellbeing.”

Cholakos said just as it had been love at first sight when the pair discovered Bei Amici 18 years ago, with its hidden location and welcoming space, the same could be said about Bei Bar and Bistro’s iconic site.

“There is so much history all around us and we feel very lucky and proud to have landed here,” she said.

“With the Substation Theatre, Qtopia and National Art School as our neighbours, it’s the perfect location for people to come together to enjoy an afternoon or evening of culture, before they enjoy cocktails and dinner with us.

“This is our community, it feels like the centre of the universe to me.”

The Surry Hills residents, whose son went to Darlinghurst Public School, are also keen to play a key role in the reinvigoration of Taylor Square.

The couple have lodged an application with City of Sydney council to open an Art market on Wednesday nights and flea market on Sunday mornings.

“We also want to work with our hospitality neighbours and the local arts community to bring a European, piazza type vibe to the area,” Cholakos said.

“It’s a place with a great vibrancy, and we’re looking forward to being immersed in that.”