Owners Vince Lombardo and Stefano Catino have launched a second Maybe Frank venue in Randwick, and with third to open soon, following the success of their first restaurant in Surry Hills.
Maybe Frank’s food menu offers the taste of a traditional Italian home-cooked meal, while the cocktail garden is reminiscent of an Italian hole-in-the-wall courtyard, with a chic ambience.
There are over 20 pizzas to choose from, made with the Maybe Frank signature dough, rested for between 36 and 72 hours. A crowd favourite is the Alba — an intense mix of simple flavours including truffle pecornino, rosemary and cherry tomato.
The pasta and desserts are made in-house, with herbs used on the dishes and cocktail are picked from the herb garden.
Award-winning bartender Andrea Gualdi has built his cocktail list around classic Italians, but with modern twists and a different approach to flavour.
“When I make a drink with them, I’m using a piece of Italian history and it’s something that makes me feel proud of my origins,” he says. Gualdi’s favourite ingredients, vermouth and amaro, are featured throughout the cocktail list.
Gualdi hand-picked the bar team, which features Balasz Molnar who hails from Artesian London and Lobster Bar Hong Kong, alongside Antonello Arzedi and Eros Pedone, who have worked in Italian venues across Sydney’s Eastern suburbs.
Five signature drinks will rotate on a weekly basis, ensuring the use of in-season ingredients, but Maybe Frank specialty the Sophia Loren — Cocchi Rosa, tequila, Italicus rosolio di bergamotto and rose geranium — will feature year-round.