Connie’s Italian Diner & Rooftop Terrazza brings family-style Italian to Melbourne

Photo: Parker Blain

Connie’s Melbourne
Upstairs 234B Russell Street, Melbourne
Connies.melbourne

Award-winning Melbourne hospitality duo Michael and Zara Madrusan of Made in the Shade Group (pictured above) have introduced classic Italian hospitality to Melbourne’s CBD, recently launching Connie’s Italian Diner & Rooftop Terrazza.

The iconic pizza joint Connie’s started as just a hole-in-the-wall in 2017, inside the iconic rock ‘n’ roll bar, Heartbreaker. Now with a new space directly above Heartbreaker, Connie’s has expanded into a standalone modern 100-seat trattoria, showcasing traditional dishes inspired by Michael’s memories of growing up in his family’s Italian restaurants with his Nonna, Connie.

With a wealth of experience in Michelin starred restaurants, Head Chef Matteo D’Elia, has joined Connie’s and will work closely with Michael to create a menu that highlights their Italian heritage through traditional dishes as well as Connie’s famous Grandma-style pizzas. The drinks offering has been carefully put together reflects Made in the Shade’s dedication to creating high quality drinks across all their venues.

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“Connie’s is a modern trattoria and we’ve created a space that caters to all, from family dining early evening through to late night good times on the dance floor. The menu showcases Matteo’s excellent take on classic Italian cuisine and as with all our venues, we’re providing world class cocktails to complement the food.” Zara Madrusan

“Connie’s is a modern trattoria and we’ve created a space that caters to all, from family dining early evening through to late night good times on the dance floor. The menu showcases Matteo’s excellent take on classic Italian cuisine and as with all our venues, we’re providing world class cocktails to complement the food”, says Zara.

The a la carte dining menu showcases dishes such as veal tonnato, eggplant parmigiana; Sunday Sauce – a Sunday ragu, served family-style; Connie’s famous Grandma-style pizzas; a selection of salads; and a tiramisu-based sundae.

The perfect spot for sunset, Connie’s terrazza has views spanning across the rooftops of the Melbourne CBD where patrons can make themselves comfortable on the bench seating, surrounded by lush, leafy greenery. The terrazza space offers table service, drinks from the main bar and access to the full menu as well as Italian sausage and peppers from the alfresco BBQ menu every weekend. The terrazza is the perfect spot for an afternoon aperitif or dinner under the stars and walk-ins are encouraged.

Michael & Zara Madrusan

Led by hospitality veteran, Manny Platsis, Connie’s hopes to encapsulate a classic trattoria vibe and energy that is inviting and warm. Their drinks program will feature classic and sparkling cocktails by the bottle and on-tap, as well as a vast array of wines curated by Bar Margaux’s sommelier, Tom Smith. “Our venues are renowned for the quality of their drinks and Connie’s is no different. We’ve created a drinks list that plays into the fun that is Connie’s while also having the credentials of a great bar”, notes Michael.

With the name of the venue being inspired by Michael’s beloved Nonna, named Connie, the concept of the venue is one grounded in a love of traditional home cooking, inspired by an Italian upbringing where generosity and food is what brings everyone together.
“Whether you’re looking for something more refined like a Negroni or something lively like a pitcher of Fruit Cup; whether it’s one at the bar with some antipasti, or a few rounds with dinner in a booth, you can be assured there’ll be a killer drinks list to suit all tastes”, says Michael.

The unique, feel-good interior at Connie’s has been inspired by traditional New York Italian diners, with red vinyl booths, red and white chequered tablecloths, lazy susans. The red and black diamond tiles across the 7-seater bar, framed pop-culture icons and tropical fish tank all add to the unique interior and vibe of the restaurant.

Connie’s encourages walk-ins and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, for dinner and drinks, from 5pm until late, offering group bookings as well as function and event room hire for special occasions.