Neil Perry’s Bar Torino opens its doors in Double Bay

• Highly acclaimed Australian Chef Neil Perry will open a new bar in Double Bay today.
• Bar Torino will be located in the basement of Gaden House, underneath Gran Torino.
• The casual bar will serve classic cocktails and a relaxed menu of Italian dishes.

We recently reported on the opening of Neil Perry’s new Italian restaurant, Gran Torino, which replaced his previous Cantonese spot, Songbird. With the entire transition completed in just one week and Gran Torino already drawing in a steady stream of happy customers (I blame the giant tiramisu), few chefs could pull off this feat.

Today marks the next step in Perry’s revitalisation of the heritage-listed Gaden House, with the launch of his latest venue, Bar Torino. Located in the basement of Gaden House, underneath Gran Torino, the sleek new casual Italian bar will serve classic cocktails, a concise wine list, and a relaxed menu of spuntini, antipasti and piatti principali.

Whether you choose the cozy intimacy of the basement bar, which seats 80 guests inside, or the lively alfresco terrace (seating 30 guests) where you can watch the bustle of Double Bay, the location offers the best of both worlds.

The opening couldn’t have come at a better time, coinciding with Sydney’s Negroni Month. Bar Torino will capitalise on this with a special Negroni menu (featuring Negroni Sbagliato, GT Negroni, Negroni Picante and Boulvardier) as well as live DJ sets on its first two Friday nights.

Collette Dinnigan is behind the space’s transformation, adorning the walls with funky Italian posters and a mural that pays homage to Campari, Italy’s iconic apéritif and the key ingredient in a Negroni.

READ MORE: September is Negroni Month in YCK Laneways, and you can win $2,500

The menu

Described as “where aperitivo turns into dinner”, Bar Torino will serve an Italian-inspired menu of pre-dinner appetisers and heartier pastas for those who want a heartier meal.

Menu highlights include Ervin’s lasagne Bolognese, baked semolina gnocchi with field mushrooms and taleggio, and crumbed chicken pizzaiola with tomato and parmesan.

If you’re after smaller, share plates that suit the alfresco seating on Bay Street, opt for Prosciutto San Daniele, Sicilian Green Olives, Sydney Rock Oysters, Albacore Tuna Crudo and burrata.

The drinks list features a selection of signature cocktails and Negronis, and a concise list of Australian, Italian and French wines by the glass, 500ml and bottle.

“We want Bar Torino to become Gran Torino’s neighbourhood go-to like Next Door is to Margaret. An easy and relaxed place where aperitivo turns into dinner, and dinner into drinks. Come for a Negroni and stay for the lasagne!” says Neil.

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