FIRST LOOK: Sognare Italiano is Magill Road's new burgundy-drenched ode to classic Italian dining

Image: Sognare Italiano

Drive down Magill Road and it’s impossible not to notice the striking new arrival glowing from the corner at Maylands. Wrapped in deep burgundy tones and warm light, Sognare Italiano has officially opened its doors, and it already feels like a place that’s been there forever.

Part homestyle trattoria, part modern social hub, Sognare Italiano is a deeply personal project from owner Deanna Pallotta, built on family tradition, Neapolitan soul food and the joy of gathering around a table.

“Sognare Italiano is a tribute to my family, especially my dad, who first encouraged the idea,” Deanna told Glam Adelaide back in November.

“Growing up in an Italian household, food and drink were at the centre of everything. Our home was always full – family, friends, cards on the table, meals being shared, stories being told.”

That sense of togetherness is woven through every part of the venue. Less concerned with trends, Sognare feels timeless. The kind of space you could imagine stumbling into 50 years ago on the outskirts of Italy, or just as easily 50 years from now in uptown Manhattan. The room, the menu, the hospitality, it all resists dating itself.

On the menu you’ll find APN-standard Neapolitan pizza, made to meet the strict requirements of the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, alongside fresh house-made pasta and classic Italian plates built to land in the middle of the table.

The drinks list follows the same thinking. It’s classic, and designed to accommodate date night couples, the cocktail crowd, and dads who refuse to venture further than a Barossa Valley shiraz.

And Sognare doesn’t rest on its laurels when it comes to atmosphere. Come Friday and Saturday night, live music lifts the room, adding a natural extension of the mood Deanna has always gravitated towards.

“It’s the kind of place where you can come for a full dinner, or just a drink — and stay for the vibe,” Deanna said.

Then there’s the fit-out. Walk past Sognare, and you’re immediately floored. Designed by Anthony Cirocco Designs and built by Jaycore Constructions, the space aims to feel “inviting and personal,” and seamlessly walks the line between approachability and sensual, moody, Italian romance. Deanna’s favourite colour – pink – is the key feature, elegantly woven through in soft and deep tones, layered with burgundy, beige and warm timber finishes. A sprawling marble bar welcomes conversations over a martini, while heavy red curtains and a glistening disco ball hint at after-dark revelry.

Two years in the making, Sognare Italiano marks Deanna’s first foray into hospitality ownership, but she steps into it confidently, backed by a decade of experience across fashion, beauty and hospitality, and strong support from family and friends.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to be supported every step of the way by my family, my friends, and the amazing team who’ve become such an important part of this business,” she told us.

At its core, Sognare Italiano is a burgundy-wrapped ode to Italian culture. To warmth, generosity and the joy of eating together. A personal project that already feels like part of the street.

“I want people to leave Sognare having had an experience,” she said. “Creating that warm, inviting atmosphere is at the heart of everything I do.”

Sognare Italiano is open for dinner 5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday at 1-2, 163 Magill Road, Maylands.

For the website, click here.
@sognareitaliano_