Torino Aperitivo

The Verdict

Melbourne’s love affair with la dolce vita is not slowing down anytime soon, as embodied by the opening of a brand new aperitivo bar in the heart of the CBD. Torino Aperitivo is the new kid on the block, by the seasoned team behind Beneath Driver Lane. The focus is on bringing aperitivo culture to Melbourne, which entails succulent bites designed to whet your appetite, alongside a few drinks of course. Torino Aperitivo wants to infuse the sweetness of aperitifs with the vibrancy of Melbourne’s unique food scene, aiming for a match made in heaven. 

To get you started after a hectic work day, the aperitivo menu holds morsels such as warm Nduja served with Crostini, Wagyu Bresaola, house-made Focaccia and Stracciatella, and green olives from Southern Italy. Other favourites include Burrata with Pangrattato and anchovy, fried Gnocci pieces infused with Guanciale, and a Ricotta and mint Tortelli swimming in butter sauce. End your meal on a sweet note with Brioche con Gelato, aka an Italian ice cream sandwich with pistachio crumb. 

Aperitivo hour wouldn’t be complete without the aperitifs of course, and Torino Aperitivo has a pretty loaded drinks menu to hold you down. Alongside, local, Italian and tap beers, there are two custom-installed Torino Negroni and Torino Spritz taps to keep the drinks flowing all evening. The cocktail menu includes refreshing new creations, like a Galliano milk punch, or a Friuli sour. Aperitivo, Amaro and Digestivo options are all sorted by flavour profile, so it’ll be easy to pick your poison.

The place used to be inhabited by craft beer specialist Penny Blue, but has been transformed in a welcome renovation to imbibe the European spirit. Warm green tones with brassy finishings create a comfy vibe you want to sink into. You can take your pick when it comes to seating; they’ve got chairs up at the bar to cosy green booths, but the pièce de résistance is the green quartzite bar top, accented with their custom drink fountain. 

Image credit: Torino Apperitivo (supplied)