Bar Conte has expanded its Negroni-focused Italian dining from Surry Hills to a larger, two-level venue in Sydney CBD, continuing its distinctive offering.
Background and Concept Development
Bar Conte originally launched in Surry Hills as what is promoted as the world’s first dedicated Negroni bar and Italian restaurant. Located at the corner of Riley and Foveaux Streets, the venue introduced a model focused on Italian cocktails and shared dishes, with operations extending from morning coffee and brunch through to aperitivo and dinner service.
The Surry Hills site includes a day menu under the banner of Caffè Conte, offering breakfast specials, sweet displays, focaccia sandwiches, and pasta lunch sets paired with drinks. The drinks menu presents over 30 Negroni variations, tasting flights, and a wide range of aperitivi, amari, vermouths, and Italian wines.
Sydney CBD Expansion
Bar Conte’s operators have now opened a new location on 151 Clarence Street in the Sydney CBD. Branded as Conte Sydney, the venue features a 130-seat capacity across two floors and builds on the Surry Hills format with a broader scale.
This new venue continues the Negroni theme with over 40 varieties, including infused and barrel-aged versions, premium spirits, and a $1000 Negroni available by pre-order. The menu also features an extensive selection of Italian vermouths, bitters, gin, and amari, highlighting premium and rare labels across categories.
The food offering at Conte Sydney mirrors the Italian focus of the original site, with updated versions of established dishes such as focaccia, fritto misto, Wagyu tartare, and handmade pasta. Mains include dishes like duck breast with beetroot and a one-kilogram T-bone steak. The kitchen remains open until late, maintaining the flexibility seen in the Surry Hills location.
Design and Layout Distinctions
While both venues emphasise Italian hospitality, the CBD site presents a more formal dining environment. Interiors feature green marble, nine-metre ceilings, and vintage Italian film and liquor artwork.
Seating options include booth dining, bar stools, and an upstairs space with views over the venue. The upper level also houses private dining areas and function rooms, including the Negroni Room, intended for tastings and events.
In contrast, the Surry Hills location maintains a homely and compact atmosphere, with an emphasis on day-to-night service that accommodates both casual and cocktail-focused visits.
Comparison Between Locations
Bar Conte in Surry Hills serves a neighbourhood clientele with day menus and accessible lunch specials, while Conte Sydney in the CBD targets a more expansive audience with an elevated layout and late-night offering.
While the two operate independently, they share core elements—premium Italian spirits, Negroni innovation, and a consistent commitment to Italian dining culture.
Ongoing Development
With two locations now operating in Surry Hills and Sydney CBD, Conte continues to expand its position in Sydney’s hospitality scene. Both venues maintain distinct identities while adhering to a shared vision of Italian-focused cocktails and food.
Published 24-May-2025