Torino Aperitivo: European traditions with Melbourne flair

Torino Aperitivo Bar
2 Driver Lane, Melbourne 3000
torinoaperitivo.com.au
@torinoaperitivo

The former Penny Blue site underwent a 3-month renovation to become “Torino Aperitivo,” a vibrant Italian Aperitivo bar in Melbourne. Led by Hamish Goonetilleke of Liquid Living (pictured above), this 75-seat venture in the hidden Driver Lane brings European aperitivo traditions with a Melbourne flair.

Head Chef David Rios infuses classic Italian dishes with local twists, offering around 12 small plates including warm nduja, house-made focaccia, burrata, homemade pasta, and a 500gm scotch fillet. Dessert delights with brioche con gelato.

The drinks program, managed by Kealan Brady and Mark Brooks, boasts creativity without compromising on enjoyment. Expect an extensive selection of wines, spritz, Negronis, and a focused cocktail lineup.

The bar’s highlight? An Italian water feature delivering Torino Negronis & Spritzes straight from the source—an innovation they’re proud to showcase!

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This venue hopes to deliver on creativity, execution, and attention to detail, focusing on aperitif culture and an elevated shared dining experience.