An Italian-inspired wine bar and bistro is now open in the Hawksburn Village precinct in Prahran, Melbourne.
The 35-seat venue has undergone a $3 million renovation to return the site (originally a petrol station, later a car dealership) to its heritage condition.
Glen Bagnara from Hemingway’s Wine Room is behind Bar Bianco, and has curated a concept inspired by Italian wine bars and European cookery.
“We want Bar Bianco to be a destination that is sophisticated and elegant yet relaxed and not over the top, with service that is knowledgeable, intuitive and highly personal,” he says.
A selection of snacks, share plates, larger dishes and desserts come together to form the menu, which will hero local growers and top-quality proteins.
“Produce such as Sydney rock oysters, jamon Iberico, Ora King salmon, Portarlington mussels, Fremantle octopus, Port Phillip Bay scallops and Sher wagyu will be a feature,” says Bagnara.
The wine list will also follow a Eurocentric theme, with bottles from Italy and France on offer as well as Australia.
Amaros, aperitivos and vermouths round out the beverage offering along with classic and contemporary cocktails.
Bar Bianco is open from midday until late Tuesday to Friday and 5pm till late on Saturday.