Mille Vini

The Verdict

Taking up space in the former MV Bistro & Wine Bar, Mille Vini has been a Crown Street staple for quite some time. Now, the neighbourhood joint has undergone a reimagining from the same hospitality juggernauts that brought you Rosie Campbell’s and Mama Saan.

Set within a historical building that dates all the way back to the 1840s, the bistro’s new take is heroing classic Italian recipes, handcrafted pasta, and wines spanning Australia and Italian regions. Sound like the perfect spot for date night? That’s because it is.

The refreshed fitout is the glorious work of Guru Projects, the legendary design team behind interiors at other Sydney spots Esquire, La Palma, and Ezra. The aesthetic is clear: European with a moody mix of romance with velvet drapes, crystal chandeliers, sandstone walls, and a marble bar top serving as a crisp backdrop to your cocktail order.

With classic Italian recipes at the heart of Mille Vini and head chef Francesco Di Gioia leading the way, signature dishes look like truffle pecorino with blossom honey, battered zucchini flowers, and a poached octopus salad. Plates of handcrafted pasta also make the rounds here with a black squid ink pasta, butternut pumpkin ravioli, and duck ragu. Naturally, cheese and salumi platters also feature on the menu.

While Mille Vini is no doubt a date night hot spot, that’s not to say it’s without group spaces. Located on the mezzanine level, you’ll find a private dining room that can seat up to eight guests.

The lengthy wine list has been built with a focus on local producers with a number of Italian varietals and emerging Italian wines too, so you’ll have the full spectrum of drops.

Cocktail-wise, there’s a curated line-up of signature concoctions with a "Bitter Aussie Italian" pumped with Stone Pine native gin and a "Mamma Mia"  that features watermelon, tomato and Tanqueray gin. Peronis also sneak into Mille Vini as do a tight round-up of lagers, pale ales, and ciders.

Image credit: Mille Vini