Bel & Brio opened on Wednesday 21 September in one of The Streets of Barangaroo’s premier sites, offering a dining, as well as a takeaway and retail concept.
Inspiration has been taken from traditional European cooking styles to create menus that are centred on authenticity, quality and availability.
Open every day from breakfast through until late the evening, Bel & Brio will sell coffee and house-made pastries, as well as quick or long lunch offerings, takeaway or dine-in dinners and a range of beverages.
Bel & Brio’s team includes executive chefs Andrea Assenza, Sicilian-born with extensive experience in restaurants in Europe and Asia, and Vanessa Martin, former head chef and owner of hatted Italian Il Piave.
Jon Osbeiston, experienced wine retailer, has curated the wine and cellars lists.
Drinks and cocktails are taken care of by mixologist James Snelgrove, who has spent 12 years working in bars including Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Ms Gs and Button, and coffee will be served by Alessandro and Gianni Panetta, who ran Baker Bros coffee in the Sydney CBD.
The venue design, by DS17, takes inspiration from the great food halls of Europe with a fit out boasting a mix of natural materials including timbers, brass, copper, polished concrete and marble.
Bel & Brio consists of five distinct areas, each with its own core offering: dining, bar, groceries, coffee and wine.
The bar and dining area offers European share plate style meals, including dishes such as slow cooked lamb ragu with lemon ricotta ravioli and rosemary; and crispy pork belly, braised fennel and orange salad.
The extensive wine list of 400 wines and 20 wines by the glass, curated by Osbeiston, is complemented by a classic cocktail list by Snelgrove. Another key feature is Bel & Brio’s extensive wine store and wine list, featuring 2,000 wines.
The Bel & Brio Eatery offers take-away meals, including rotisserie meats, paninis, traditional pizza al taglio, homemade pastas and daily chef specials.
The Marketplace features a well-stocked grocery with pantry staples, household essentials, fresh produce, specialty products and flowers.
Coffee & Co serves beans roasted by Will & Co as well as an extensive pastry section and a full breakfast menu from 7am.
