When so many venues are focused on reinventing the wheel and offering something ‘never-before-seen,’ it feels refreshing to embrace something classic. And what’s wrong with the classics? They are, after all, the classics for a reason.
And by classic, we mean a neighbourhood Italian restaurant serving genuine Italian fare, done simply and done well. Meet Bar Monte.
Nestled just off the Gold Coast Highway in Miami, Bar Monte’s location is no accident—it’s a statement. Instead of joining the buzz of Burleigh Heads or Mermaid Beach, the team deliberately planted roots in Miami, with a vision to foster a strong local community and elevate the surrounding dining scene.
Bar Monte is the brainchild of Arcade Agency; the team behind lauded venues including four (soon to be five) Light Years locations, Byron Bay’s Moonlight Hibachi Grill & Wine Bar, The Smoking Camel and Pixie Italian Food & Wine. So yes, they know what they’re doing.
With co-owners Kim Stephen, James Sutherland, and Lorenzo Toscani at the helm, they’re hoping this is just the first of many Bar Montes—mirroring the success of their Light Years empire.
Now of course, the first thing you notice is, well, the interiors. Put simply, it’s stunning. Designed by Will Rathgeber from award-winning design house Studio Plenty—whose distinctive style you’ll also see at Light Years Byron Bay and the newly-opened Burly Bar—Bar Monte nails an elevated take on a traditional trattoria.
A sleek, maroon-hued bar lined with mustard stools takes centre stage while thoughtful lighting and small-but-intentional design touches make the space equal parts polished and inviting. It’s the type of Euro-cool neighbourhood restaurant where you’re just as welcome spending hours over a long lunch as you are popping in for a glass of vino.
Speaking of wine, the succinct selection of 50 wines has been handpicked by world-renowned sommelier Andrea Martinisi, who was crowned the 8th best sommelier in the world and represents the New Zealand Sommelier Association. Designed by friends for friends, the list stars chiefly Italian wine, alongside some Australian, New Zealand and French drops for good measure.
If cocktails are more your tipple, the Link In Bio with vodka, salted passion fruit, peach and lemon has already established its place as a bestseller and we couldn’t go past the refreshing Celerita with tequila, cold-pressed celery, lime, agave and jalapeño.
Italian-born Head Chef Nicolo Meani, who boasts an impressive resume including at Michelin-starred Pierino Penati, has a strong passion for sharing traditional Italian food, elevated with considered touches. Start small with the Ortiz anchovy toast with smoked tomato butter and lemon and the delicate chicken liver parfait eclair with cherry.
The creamy burrata with spicy ‘Nduja and cashew pesto is a worthy precursor to the sublime spaghetti cacio e pepe with Pecorino Romano and black pepper and the pan-fried market fish with vibrant pea gazpacho and sugar snaps.
Bar Monte is equal parts sophisticated and playful; a welcome splash of vibrancy into Miami’s dining scene.
THE DETAILS
What: Bar Monte
Where: Shop 2/3 Mountain View Ave, Miami QLD 4220
When: Open 5pm to 10pm, Wednesday and Thursday
Open 12pm to 10pm, Friday to Sunday
For more details, click here.