The Bar Liberty crew have breathed new life into Carlton institution The Beaufort, transforming the former dive bar into an eatery with an Italian edge. Having just opened its doors, the resulting Capitano is inspired by the family-led restaurants of the Mediterranean nation with a series of favourite Italian dishes to be served along those with influences from the USA and Australia.

The Capitano team are no strangers to the hospitality industry, being the current owners of a handful of outstanding Melbourne venues including the award-winning Bar Liberty, Rockwell and Sons, and Above Board. Now the team- consisting of Michael Bascetta, Banjo Harris Plane, Manu Potoi and Casey Wall – have turned their attention to Italiano fare, inspired by the Italian food chef Wall favours for a feed on his days off.

Wall’s take on Italian cuisine is a culmination of Italian inspiration and Australian ingredients that will be crafted by head chef Blake Giblet and his team. Sitting at the menu’s core is a rotating selection of pizzas, as well as ever-changing pasta options. There will also be a lasagne designed to be shared, and a selection of dry-aged steaks. Everyone’s favourite Italian dessert, tiramisu, has also been promised. Couch potatoes can also rejoice, for Capitano’s pizza will be available takeaway.

The restaurant itself is a sleek take on the traditional which weaves in a terrazzo tile floor and art deco lighting to its muted green and red colour scheme. It’s a soft take on Italian style as we may know it, where a hardwood bar takes centre stage in the space, dividing the dining room and drinking nook in two.

Sommelier and co-owner Banjo Harris has taken care of the wine list for guests, weaving into offerings plenty of fun takes on traditional Italian cocktails, alongside a rather impressive array of Amari. Of course there is also wine (and plenty of it). There are both the likes of juicy Italian varietals sourced locally and internationally, partnered with a number of rarities, including Barolo and Brunello.

Capitano is open seven days, from 5.00pm till late on weekdays, and 12.00pm until late on weekends. 421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton; capitano.com.au.