Overview: In a bold move for 2026, two of Sydney’s most storied dining rooms are being reborn as ambitious Italian destinations. Grappa at The Rocks is set to open mid-April after a two-year project, while Vito’s will launch in August with former Carbone Hong Kong chef de cuisine Michael Fox in its kitchen.
The Full Story
Grappa at The Rocks has secured 107-109 George Street – a site so steeped in Sydney’s culinary history that it deserves its own blue plaque. The menu will be more traditional Italian, with signatures transplanted from the original Grappa restaurant, which opened in 1999 and continues to operate in Leichhardt. They’ll also introduce a few new dishes, such as snapper in rock salt.
The Rockpool site at The Rocks is undergoing a radical transformation. Moving away from the polished interiors of its fine-dining past, the new operators have stripped the walls back to reveal the building’s rugged, original 1850s sandstone. They’ve unearthed a fireplace and hardwood joists, and when Grappa is launched next month, architect Vince Squillace’s redesign will unveil a new open kitchen and plenty of luxe new fittings.
Production & Profile
The menu at Grappa at The Rocks will be more traditional Italian, with signatures transplanted from the original restaurant. They’ll also introduce a few new dishes, such as snapper in rock salt. The restaurant has secured 107-109 George Street – a site so steeped in Sydney’s culinary history that it deserves its own blue plaque.
The Rockpool site at The Rocks is undergoing a radical transformation. Moving away from the polished interiors of its fine-dining past, the new operators have stripped the walls back to reveal the building’s rugged, original 1850s sandstone. They’ve unearthed a fireplace and hardwood joists, and when Grappa is launched next month, architect Vince Squillace’s redesign will unveil a new open kitchen and plenty of luxe new fittings.
Brand & Industry History
The Rockpool site at The Rocks has been home to the legendary Rockpool from 1989 to 2014, and later a training ground for William Blue College. The space is now undergoing a radical transformation, with the new operators stripping back the walls to reveal the building’s rugged, original sandstone.
Grappa at Leichhardt has been operating since 1999 and continues to be a popular destination for traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant has secured 107-109 George Street – a site so steeped in Sydney’s culinary history that it deserves its own blue plaque.
What This Means
The reopening of Grappa at The Rocks is set to bring new life to the iconic location, with traditional Italian cuisine and a touch of luxury. The restaurant has secured 107-109 George Street – a site so steeped in Sydney’s culinary history that it deserves its own blue plaque.
Consumer Takeaway
The reopening of Grappa at The Rocks is set to bring new life to the iconic location, with traditional Italian cuisine and a touch of luxury. Foodies will be eager to try the restaurant’s signature dishes, such as snapper in rock salt.
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