Grill Americano

30ml Campari, 30ml sweet vermouth, 125ml soda water, ice cubes and orange wedge to garnish – to all of the cocktail sympathisers in the audience, this recipe will be immediately recogniseable. To all others, it is high time that you, too, become familiar with one of the most famous cocktails in the world – the simple, yet iconic, Americano. First served in the 1860s in the Milanese bar of Gaspare Campari – yes, in fact, the same “Campari” that adorns the label of everyone’s favourite household aperitivo – the Americano was originally called the Milano-Torino due to the origins of its two primary ingredients. Around the turn of the century, however, the cocktail underwent a renaming as a result of its wild popularity among American tourists. Now, more than 150 years later, the classic Americano is still very much influential in the world of hospitality. Take, for example, the latest and exciting offering from the Lucas Restaurants group. Think Chin Chin, Baby Pizza, Kong, Hawker Hall, Kisumé, Society and Yakimono. Aptly named Grill Americano, it is the third new restaurant in less than a year, following in the footsteps of Society and Yakimono, which is no less than an extraordinary feat considering the inhospitable climate that has permeated the CBD dining scene over the past two years. If traditional Italian warmth and Australian produce get your heart to racing, then Grill Americano will provide the ultimate night out in the city.

The heart of the Grill Americano kitchen is a hand-built wood oven, imported from Naples, and a Josper grill, a Spanish “legend in the world of charcoal gastronomy”. This tandem effort provides the heat and the flame to perfectly cook and flavour the venue’s exquisite meats and seafood. Working alongside Australia’s finest producers and growers, as well as select Italian artisans, Grill Americano offers delicate handmade pastas, specially procured beef – including the rarest Wagyu breeds – impeccably fresh seafood and classic Italian desserts. Expect, for example, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, one of Tuscany’s most popular dishes. The bar, a striking marble variety indicative of the overall lavishness of Venetian architecture, is a sanctuary for guests searching for a classic cocktail, aperitivo or an after-dinner nightcap. The drinks menu highlights Italian spirits and ingredients, with the Americano boldly announcing itself as a particular passion, not surprisingly. To complete the Grill Americano drinks experience, a 2,000-plus-bottle wine cellar is at your beck and call. It is the culmination of classic producers and regions, as well as cult favourites from around the world, resulting in one of the most thoughtful collections in the entire country. In other word, if what is wanted is not available, then there is a chance that it is not worth wanting.

Grill Americano is located in the CBD’s culinary heartland, at 112 Flinders Lane at the base of the Denton Corker Marshall-designed 101 Collins Street Tower. Make no mistake, this location is by no means random. Rather, this site has been carefully and thoughtfully chosen. Chris Lucas explains, “I love the energy and architecture of my city, and I am excited to honour these great buildings with beautiful restaurants people can enjoy.” To experience Italian elegance from one of Melbourne’s most famous restaurateurs, simply enter from Flinders Lane at the laneway entrance to the 101 Collins Tower. Grill Americano is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm and will be garnering enthusiasm for the long lunch on Thursdays and Fridays from noon. Bookings are highly recommended for the main dining room; however, the bar forever welcomes walk-ins. Be one of the first to join the grand reopening of the city’s eating and drinking culture at one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2022.