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MELBOURNE | When 24 hour pizza stalwart Cafe Romantica closed in 2017, it marked the end of an era that had provided a reliable food and drink option for those in Brunswick East that needed nourishment when most people were fast asleep. Thankfully the space didn’t say vacant for too long, and in 2018 it was reborn as Bar Romantica. Owners Oscar Hermann, Monty Mullooly-Hill and Ravi Thompson (owners of Monty’s in Fitzroy North), and Henry Crawford and Bill Howard joined forces to re-imagine the space as a bar fit for 2018 while paying homage to its prior incarnation.
The laminate tables, granite bar, and fluorescent lighting are gone, and in their place is warm, low lighting, comfy booths and a large American oak bar with bar stools. The old pizza oven is still here, as is the pool table, which is still free to play. The homebrew is gone, and in its place you’ll find an assortment of local craft beers on tap and in the fridges, including several limited and seasonal releases. The wine list is full of interesting drops from around the world, and the spirit and cocktail selection is also great.
For food, head chef Rory Kennedy (ex Lume, La Luna) has created a menu that’s worlds apart from what used to be available here, using local, sustainable and organic produce where possible. Pizza is still available, but they’re now traditional Napoli style pizzas with toppings like nduja, zaatar, and marjoram. There is, of course, a margarita pizza too. You can still get pasta too, along with dishes like kangaroo tartare with fermented chilli and egg yolk, and brisket with collard greens and berbere spice.
The menu after 10pm is a cut down version of the full menu but by no means a slouch. We’ve been to Romantica several times for a post midnight feed and there are two things we keep ordering – the Pizza Romantica with house passata, fior di latte, basil and nduja, and the ridiculously addictive spicy fried potatoes with smoked mustard emulsion. Oysters, salumi and cheese are just a few more of the other options available in the later hours.
As Brunswick East locals we’ve always said that the area was screaming for quality late night food options and while Cafe Romantica certainly provided sustenance, Bar Romantica goes far beyond by providing high quality sustenance.
Bar Romantica
52-54 Lygon Street
Brunswick East
Victoria 3057
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9191 9410
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Wed – Thu: 4:00pm to 1:00am
Fri: 4:00pm to 4:00am
Sat: 3:00pm to 4:00am
Sun: 3:00pm to 1:00am