Fast becoming an institution in Bondi, Totti’s is clearly one of Sydney’s most in-demand Italian eateries and continues to build a cult following thanks to the fresh ideas of chefs Mike Eggert and Jake Ahrens.
Now an energetic spin-off has opened, and this time it’s much closer to the CBD. Taking up residence at ivy, the Merivale-owned Bar Totti’s strengthens the precinct’s expansive dining scene, neighbouring favourites such as Little Felix, and pool bar staple (and fellow Italian restaurant) Uccello.
The opening is part of the ‘ivy 2.0’ plans announced by Merivale last year, aiming to turn the considerable precinct into a more modern space “centred around how we eat, drink, socialise, communicate and work together in this city”. Eventual additions to the well-curated scene include a Middle Eastern restaurant headed by ex-Rockpool chef Simon Zalloua, and a Mexican restaurant.
Keeping things in-line with its Bondi brethren, Bar Totti’s builds much of its menu around that now famous, gorgeously puffy wood-fired bread. Although this time the focus has shifted to a list of 24 house-made antipasti like sardines, artichokes, octopus, and crudo, and also snacks like king prawns, halloumi, and chicken wings.
Desserts have remained a constant across both venues, with Bar Totti’s bringing over the Bondi venue’s beloved finishers, including the tiramisu and Neapolitan ice-cream sandwich.
As for drinks. The bar is going retro-Italian with easy-drinking drops and low-intervention Italian wines sitting alongside the classics and seasonal drinks that Totti’s is known for. Although there’ll be a bigger focus on spritzes and after-dinner cocktails to help the expansive horseshoe bar with its own identity.
Bar Totti’s will be walk-in only and open from 12pm to late seven days a week, with no set lunch or dinner times.
Bar Totti’s
12pm – late, every day.
ivy, Shop 4/330 George Street, Sydney
merivale.com/venues/tottis.
Photo by Steven Woodburn.
