It’s one of Sydney’s best-loved lunch spots and now it’s Lorne’s turn for a taste of Totti’s. With a local population of just 1,000 residents, they’ll certainly have much better luck at nabbing a table.

The Italian tratt will open on the ground level of the Lorne Hotel on March 11, with reservations open from March 8.  It marks the first phase of the grand old pub’s renovation with further dining options soon to be revealed. The Great Ocean Road hotel is located opposite Lorne Beach, where you can walk off those hearty pasta plates and generous helpings of tiramisu.

The new venue brings the Totti’s tally to five, with existing outposts in Bondi, Rozelle, Sydney CBD, and Allianz Stadium. It also marks Merivale’s first foray into Victoria.

Heading up the new restaurant is Totti’s Executive Chef and Creator, Mike Eggert and Surf Coast local and former MoVida chef, Matt Germanchis.

The Lorne menu features a mix of Totti’s classics – puffy bread included – alongside a selection of antipasti and pasta, with a slew of new dishes starring local Victorian seafood created just for Lorne including smoked albacore tuna, marinated Apollo Bay octopus and a whole crumbed King George Whiting.  Similarly, the wine list has been updated to focus on Victorian vineyards.

Related recipes: 6 easy street food recipes by Mike Eggert

Desserts will include Totti’s tiramisu, the banana split, made popular at Totti’s Rozelle, and a classic affogato, which will be updated with Germanchis’ own gelato recipe.

The interiors will have a coastal vibe described as “Totti’s on holidays” by architect Kelvin Ho from Akin Creative. The unique local architecture will be complemented with a ’70s look which will include chequered cork floors, terrazzo in sorbet shades, terracotta details and an aged copper fireplace.

Merivale Executive Chef, Mike Eggert, said: “We’re stoked that Totti’s is finally opening in Lorne for Victorians to enjoy. We’ve crafted a menu that combines Matt’s expertise in local seafood with classic Totti’s dishes allowing you to pick and choose depending on your mood – whether that’s a bite to eat after a day at the beach alongside a glass of local wine or a selection of dishes for a long afternoon with friends and family. We can’t wait to welcome you.”

It’s the second high-profile opening for the tiny coastal town in recent months, with acclaimed chef Jo Barrett launching Little Pickett at the Lorne Bowling Club in August last year.

Totti’s will open at the Lorne Hotel on March 11, 2023. Bookings can be made from March 8 at merivale.com/venues/tottis-lorne.

Totti’s Lorne
Ground Floor, Lorne Hotel
176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
Mon-Sun for lunch and dinner
merivale.com/venues/tottis-lorne

Related news: Good things come in threes at the new Totti’s Rozelle