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Images: Eccoci (supplied)
“So, here we are. Eccoci.”
The newest addition to Burnside Village’s dining scene opens today, and it comes with decades of Adelaide hospitality history behind it. Eccoci (Italian for “here we are”) is the latest venture from Roberto Cardone, the man who helped define South Australia’s Italian dining landscape with the Cibo empire.
Eccoci is described as a “place to gather,” for a quick espresso, a long lunch, a celebratory dinner, or an aperitivo at the bar. It’s a symbol of what Italian hospitality has always been about – bringing people together.
There’s a sense of return woven through everything at Eccoci. It’s a full-circle moment for Cardone, who first entered hospitality as a teenager at Rigoni’s Bistro before going on to shape how Adelaide ate, drank (and caffeinated, of course) for more than two decades. One of his most pivotal stints – where he met his wife, Genevieve – was at Grimaldi’s, just down the road.
The new restaurant, built in collaboration with Andrew Cohen of the Cohen Group, feels like a natural continuation of that story.
“You get this, you know what this precinct needs,” Cohen told Cardone. He knew Cardone’s pedigree was the missing hospitality piece of the revitalised Burnside Village.
The pair travelled through Italy before launching the project, drawing inspiration from cafe-meets-fashion institutions like Marchesi 1824 at Prada and Da Vittorio Café inside Louis Vuitton.
The result is an all-day restaurant and bar that lends itself to every dining experience.
Mornings at Eccoci begin with coffee and freshly baked pastries alongside dishes like Crumpets Fatto in Casa with poached eggs and smoked salmon, or Pan Brioche alla Francese for something sweet, piled with banana, maple ricotta and hazelnut crumb.
As the day rolls on, the bar starts duty. Drift in for a Limoncello Spritz or the house Eccoci Negroni – a bittersweet mix of Cynar, gin and vermouth – before sharing plates of Burratina & Eggplant, Carpaccio di Manzo with truffle paste and mushrooms, and Parmigiana di Melanzane.
It goes without saying that pasta is the heart of the menu. Lasagna Bianca layers pork and veal ragù with artichoke and béchamel, Linguine allo Scoglio brims with prawns, vongole and calamari, and Taglierini al Granchio twirls through fresh crab, tomato sugo and cream.
Then evenings start with an aperitivo and flow onto dinner. The wine list drifts between Italy and home – Barolo and Nebbiolo alongside Ecco Vino Fiano from the Barossa and Riesling Freak No.4 from Clare Valley.
And when it’s time to finish, there’s Tiramisù, Torta Caprese, or the Sgroppino, whisked at the table with lemon gelato, prosecco and limoncello.
The interior also comes full circle. Designed by Mandy Keillor, who also created the original Cibo Ristorante, it oozes elegance. Despite being an all-day venue, it’s not afraid to play with a deeper palette.
Branding by Stuart Duckworth of Fame Creative nods to Cardone’s family name – Cardone meaning cardoon, the wild artichoke – chosen as a symbol of family, flavour and legacy.
“My aunties always said our name was connected to the flower, not the prickles,” Cardone says.
For Cardone, Eccoci is equal parts tribute and new beginning.
“We’re here — Eccoci — because of them,” he says.
“So now it’s up to the second generation, G2.”
“To the family. To the neighbourhoods, communities, suppliers and customers who kept coming back, year after year and who we now welcome again.”
“And yes, even to the artichoke.”
Eccoci joins a swathe of new premium dining and retail destinations in Burnside Village, including the flagship MECCA store, Superbutter, Tiffany, and Momoto.
Doors to Eccoci swing open today. Celebratory Negroni, anyone? Salute!
What: Eccoci
When: From today, Monday & Sunday 8:30am-6pm, Tuesday to Saturday 8:30am-late
Where: Burnside Village, 447 Portrush Road, Adelaide
For more info and to book, click here.
@eccoci.ad
Dining and Cooking