Cosi Ristorante

Melbourne Italian institution Cosi Ristorante has reopened in its original home of 68 Toorak Road South Yarra with an updated look and feel, welcoming back its loyal customers as though they never really left.

Cosi closed its doors in mid-September this year and new owners Omar El Deek and brothers Giacomo Pietrantuono and Donatello Pietrantuono, also behind Cucinetta in South Yarra, see this as their biggest and most exciting venture yet, showcasing their ability to rebrand and rebuild one of South Yarra’s most loved restaurants.

The trio arrived in Melbourne seven years ago where Omar and Giacomo met while working at Caffe e Cucina. They quickly became key figures in the restaurant for close to five years, playing an integral role in the venue’s rebrand. Giacomo’s brother Donatello has spent most of his time working on his own projects in Ballarat; Carbonis Italian Kitchen and The Pub With Two Names, and will now turn his focus to Cosi as Executive Chef.

We loved visiting the new Cosi - Classic, homely and comfortable combined with high-end service. The tables inside are covered in white tablecloths, like the restaurants in Italy and wait staff are dressed in clean, crisp white shirts with a bow tie, again tapping into tradition.

The rich colour palette features browns and a mix of dark green hues, black, white and gold accompanied with the use of iron, leather and wood gives the revamped space a sophisticated and cosy atmosphere.

The menu keeps with Italian tradition, segmented into aperitivi, antipasti, primi piatti, secondi and dolci. Wines are a clear focus and are given the care they deserve - thanks to the use of Coravins, numerous premium wines are available by the glass and when opting for a big, bold red, it is served in luxuriously large Riedel Vinum XL glasses which adds to the theatre.

To start, the bar canapes selection is a great way to taste a variety of aperitivi and includes ,mushroom and truffle arancini, brioche with prawns in cocktail sauce, stuff and fried zucchini flowers, bruschetta and citrus marinated olives.

For mains we loved the filetto di manzo. The delicious piece of perfectly cooked eye fillet was delicious. A light searing ensured that it was lined with a thin crisp layer packed with caramelised beef flavour. The meat was intense with characteristic beefy notes and a deep earthy richness. Texturally, the beef was sublime with a decadent melt in the mouth, almost buttery, consistency.

Dessert time continued to please with the tiramisu for two. Cosi’s rendition of this classic dessert was delicious - well executed and thoroughly enjoyable.

Location: 68 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Phone: 03 9867 3999

Link: cosirestaurant.com.au