The team behind Surry Hills Negroni bar Bar Conte have drawn on the spirit of the Italian aperitivo in the launch of their new CBD venue Conte Sydney.
Launching in 2021, Bar Conte quickly garnered attention as Sydney’s first fully dedicated Negroni bar with a 30-strong menu of premium Negroni variations.
Development began on the new Clarence Street site in late 2024 and doors to the multi-level drinking and dining destination opened yesterday, brought to life by owners Raffaelle Lombardi and Victoria Hampshire.
“I have dreamt of this concept for the past 10 years,” says Raffaelle.
“The Negroni is of course my drink of choice and has been since I was a young man growing up in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. It’s the ultimate pre-dinner drink and pastime but there has always been more to Bar Conte in us.
“The venue’s popularity has completely blown us away so the time felt right for a larger, ‘grown-up’ offering realising the dream of a chic and contemporary dining and drinks space that we know Sydneysiders will want to visit as much as we do,” he explains.
Envisioned by Raffaelle and actualised by Victoria, owner of architectural and interior design studio Victoria Hampshire Design, the 130-capacity bar and restaurant features green tiles and marbles and contrasting deep red walls and curtains, complemented by custom lighting to create a sleek, elevated feel.
“We wanted people to both feel and see the light when they visit Conte. When designing the space, we were focused on creating the right mood and atmosphere,” says Raffaelle.
Victoria continued: “An element which we believe is one of the most important in venues. Creating spaces that appeal to the senses and evoke emotions for the guests. Their experience within Conte should be memorable.”
Throughout the various levels of the venue, guests can expect to find seating around the bar, which acts as the focal point for the venue, as well as banquette seating, a mezzanine cocktail lounge, restaurant dining area and private spaces – one of which is named the Negroni Room.
At the bar, patrons can choose from more than 40 Negroni variations, infused with ingredients such as mezcal, rhubarb, beetroot and rare Italian amari and vermouth, and an extensive collection of Italian vermouth, amari and gin. The bar will also be home to exclusive spirit and wine imports, including Vulcanica Vodka, made from rare ancient grains in Sicily; De Faveri Spumanti, a premium Italian Prosecco; and Marisa Cuomo Costa D’Amalfi wine.
Building on the succinct Italian snack menu available at Bar Conte, Conte Sydney Head Chef and venue partner Steven De Vecchi has curated an extensive fine-dining menu. Highlights include gambero rosso tartare, lobster risotto and duck breast.
Conte Sydney is now open with the promise of late-night dining and a taste of the Italian lifestyle.
Take a look inside the venue:
