Acclaimed restaurateur Chris Lucas will open the doors to the highly-anticipated Sydney iteration of his beloved Venetian-inspired steakhouse, Grill Americano, on Monday 19 November. Marking Lucas’ second venue in the harbour city, the restaurant has made its home in the heritage-listed Qantas House building, now known as No. 1 Chifley Square.
An homage to classic Italian hospitality and fine Australian produce, Grill Americano Sydney’s culinary offering is the product of close collaboration between Chris Lucas, Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini and Lucas Collective Head of Culinary Damian Snell.
Ursini, who has helmed the Grill Americano kitchen since mid-2024 and brings a wealth of experience from his time in Michelin-starred restaurants, has worked with Lucas and Snell to tailor a menu that captures the best of the iconic Grill Americano experience, while also debuting new offerings that speak to Sydney’s distinct culinary identity.
Dishes developed exclusively for this menu will include Prawn Panzerotto with Oscietra Caviar; handmade Bufala Ricotta Ravioli; and a Sicilian-Style Seafood Risotto spiked with Saffron and Chilli. Meanwhile, a raw seafood bar will showcase a vast array of oysters, crustacea, and hero dishes including a daily-changing Crudo di Pesce selection.
Diners can also look forward to many of the cult-favourite dishes that have made their mark since the original restaurant opened in 2022 — including Scampi alla Veneziana on Saffron Pilaf, and the iconic Tiramisù Americano.
Chef Simone Giorgianni, who has led Grill Americano’s lauded pasta program since day one, will introduce Sydney to his exceptional talents with silky signature pasta varieties made fresh daily onsite.
Grill Americano’s famed bistecca offering continues its reign in Sydney, with 15 varieties spanning premium steak cuts and signature specialty beef dishes. Highlights include the Bistecca Pepe e Verde with Cognac and Green Peppercorn, and a 700g New York Cut Striploin of Grappa-Infused Dry-Aged Chauvel Beef.
Grill Americano Sydney will be led by Restaurant Manager Ruaridh Macdonald, with an extensive wine program curated by Master Sommelier Paolo Saccone.
Interiors designed by Chris and his wife Sarah Lucas, alongside long-term collaborator Samantha Eades, honour the existing soaring ceilings and expansive windows of the heritage-listed building. There is no mistaking the Grill Americano DNA; with signature blue velvet banquettes, a 30-metre-long marble bar, and a Josper grill and wood-fired oven taking centre stage within the open kitchen.
Reservations for Grill Americano Sydney will be available from mid-October — for first access, be sure to sign up to the mailing list here.
Grill Americano Sydney opens on Monday 17 November at No. 1 Chifley Square, Sydney.
www.grillamericano.com