Tapavino Owner Frank Dilernia has launched his latest restaurant, Epula, within the storied walls of Martin Place’s heritage-listed GPO Building.
The restaurant, which is named with the Roman Latin word for “feast”, draws inspiration from Europe’s varied and vibrant piazzas and cuisine.
“Epula is more than a restaurant,” says Dilernia. “It’s our way of honouring the spirit of the feast — of creating a place that feels both timeless and joyfully alive. We’ve always loved the idea of Martin Place as Sydney’s town square reminiscent of those grand cities in Europe, and this is our invitation for people to gather, linger, and experience something special in the heart of the city.”
Executive Chef Adam Bourke (ex-Nola Smokehouse, Busta, Sunset Sabi) has taken the kitchen’s helm, blending classic European style with modern Australian sensibility. The restaurant offers European-inspired snacks, including fried bonbons with gazpacho and jamon; pissaladière (anchovy tartlet); and salted cod croquettes with pear aioli.
Share plates and mains include the likes of grilled Skull Island king prawns with salmoriglio; a john dory mosaic with vinaigrette au babeurre; vincigrassi – a layered, lasagna-like mushroom, truffle, and prosciutto dish; and a grilled whole flathead with saffron veloute and salmon caviar.
Leading a team of sommeliers is Signe Lindahl. On the wine list is a curated selection of Italian, Spanish, French, and Australian bottles, alongside a cocktail program focussing on classics with a few Epula-style twists thrown in for good measure.
Completed in 1990, Sydney’s heritage-listed General Post Office sits proudly on one side of Martin Place, between Pitt and George. Award-winning architects Luchetti Krelle designed the restaurant’s interiors with rich textures and warmly layered stone, leather, and timber in an array of opulent jewel tones.
“There’s a grandeur and civic beauty to the GPO that’s rare in Sydney,” says Dilernia. “It deserves to be filled with people, with energy, with conversation.”
Photography by Steven Woodburn.
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