Off the back of four major openings in 2024, celebrated restaurateur Chris Lucas, alongside his wife and design collaborator Sarah Lucas, has announced plans to open a second iteration of his Venetian-inspired Grill Americano in Sydney’s CBD this September, marking Lucas Collective’s second venue in the harbour city.
Set within the historic Qantas House building, now known as No.1 Chifley Square, Grill Americano Sydney will be a testament to the couple’s commitment to heritage restoration, as seen in previous concepts such as Chin Chin Sydney in the Griffiths Tea building, and Maison Bâtard in the former home of the 1927-born Italian Society. A celebrated mid-century building, the heritage protected Qantas House was designed by Felix Tavener in the 1950s and its famed ‘glass curtain’ façade has become a true icon of the city’s CBD.
Leading the interior design, Sarah Lucas will bring her elegant, global aesthetic to the project as Design Director; she and Chris collaborating with acclaimed Creative Director Samantha Eades of Mitchell & Eades. A longtime Lucas collaborator, Eades has previously worked on award-winning projects including Grill Americano Melbourne and the hugely popular Maison Bâtard. The trio’s shared designed philosophy will blend timeless charm with contemporary sophistication, reimagining Grill Americano for its new Sydney location.
Diners can look forward to the white-jacketed service and air of Italian elegance that’s signature to the Grill Americano experience, along with many of the cult-favourite dishes that have made their mark in Melbourne, including the legendary tiramisu served tableside. The offering will be centred around searing fire from a Josper grill and a bespoke, handcrafted wood oven imported from Verona.
Chris Lucas has already begun assembling the opening team that will helm Grill Americano Sydney, led by Restaurant Manager Ruaridh Macdonald, and General Manager of Culinary Damian Snell who oversees the group’s restaurants nationwide. Meticulously designed to complement the culinary experience, the extensive wine program is led by Paolo Saccone (Mimi’s, Grossi Florentino).
“This historic treasure offers the perfect home for Grill Americano Sydney, with its architectural beauty and timeless glass façade. Since opening Chin Chin in Surry Hills, we’ve been embraced by the city and played a role in its vibrant dining evolution. Now, Sarah and I are thrilled to add another chapter to our journey in Sydney, honouring its heritage while shaping its future food culture.
Grill Americano is set to open in Sydney’s Chifley Square in spring 2025.