Bar Conte: Sydney’s newest aperitivo style bar showcasing the best parts of Italian drinking culture


Bar Conte
340 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
@barconte_surryhills

Opening just a few weeks ago in mid September, Bar Conte is a Negroni focused aperitivo bar that boasts 20 variations of the classic cocktail. Bringing to life the culture of the traditional Italian aperitivo to Sydney, the bar will focus not only on drinks, but also offers a succinct menu of Italian snacks and share plates that are ideal to share a cocktail with.

This concept has been brought to life by Raffaele Lombard and his partner Victoria Hampshire, who are both Negroni enthusiasts themselves. Lombard says, “The negroni is my drink of choice, and has been since I was a young man growing up in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. We felt it deserved its own dedicated bar.” 

Bar Conte is a Negroni focused aperitivo bar that boasts 20 variations of the classic cocktail. Bringing to life the culture of the traditional Italian aperitivo to Sydney, the bar will focus not only on drinks, but also offers a succinct menu of Italian snacks and share plates that are ideal to share a cocktail with.

The 20 various adaptations of the classic cocktail that Bar Conte offers, features a diverse range of both Italian and Australian vermouths. All variations of the classic will still be made with Campari with the beverage list including a Mexican Negroni, Amber Negroni, Conte’s Barrel Aged Negroni and a Samurai Negroni made with Roku Gin. A rotating list of five European beers and Italian wines will also be offered.

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Lombard says, “The negroni is my drink of choice, and has been since I was a young man growing up in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. We felt it deserved its own dedicated bar.”

The menu has been designed by Steve De Vecchi (ex sous chef at The Apollo) to pair nicely with aperitivo style drinking and includes Appellation Oysters with negroni dressing and negroni infused salumi amongst other items.

The 38-seated venue is heavily inspired by the co-owners past life and travels throughout Italy and is the perfect home for the various Italian art and film that was inherited from Lombard’s grandfather. 

Bar Conte is open from Monday to Saturday and both bookings and walk-ins are welcome.