2018 is already looking to be a big year for hospitality in Sydney, with the $32 million dollar renovation and restoration of the Campbell’s Stores building on the agenda. The first of the burgeoning entertaining area’s offerings has just been confirmed as The Venetian Republic Dining & Bar and comes courtesy of Nino Zoccali. The Sydney-based chef and restaurateur is the principal owner of Pendulum Hospitality, which already owns a handful of multi-award winning restaurants, including La Rosa The Strand.

“After a significant period of protracted negotiation and planning, we are delighted to announce the new project,” says Nino of his decision to open within the historic space which was first built in 1850. “The building and the site are iconic to Sydneysiders as well as interstate and international visitors and we are very excited to be part of this fantastic new redevelopment. With unique heritage architecture and direct views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the site is a great fit for our style of venue and we think that the location is truly world class.” 

The Venetian Republic Dining & Bar is no small feat – the venue will incorporate a 40 seat al fresco dining space, a dedicated Venetian Bollicine and Champagne bar, a 100 seat dining room and event options. The menu itself has been inspired by La Serenissima – the historic trade route that ran through the Northern Italian border regions Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli, through to the Greek Islands of Corfu and Crete.

“We’re very excited about the concept. It will be a predominately Venetian Mediterranean seafood restaurant with influences from the Dalmatian Coast, Montenegro and the former Venetian reigned Greek Islands,” explains Nino of his inspiration. “My wife and business partner, Krissoula Syrmis, is from this part of Greece so we’ve spent a lot of time in this very beautiful part of the world. Ties to Venice are also strong at Pendulum Hospitality, with our group sommelier Cristian Casarin born and raised just 30 kilometres from Venice.”

Seafood from the Mediterranean will be served, alongside quality Australian produce. Of course (it being an Italian venue) there will be an ample wine selection to choose from, one that celebrates the wines of the territories of the Venetian Republic.