“We’re all about old-school hospitality: making guests feel at home the second they walk in,” says Grappa Founder Charlie Colosi.
This old-school hospitality is something Charlie and Virginie Colosi have been serving up at Grappa Norton Street for 26 years. Now, they’re drawing on this extensive history of Italian hospitality to launch their latest project, Grappa The Rocks.
The restaurant, which opened today, has taken over the former Rockpool site which has sat vacant since 2022 at 107-109 George Street in The Rocks, Sydney.
It will follow their signature blend of house-made Italian cooking, generous wine, and personal hospitality – but this time, it spans 300 seats across a dining room, upper bar, private event spaces, and an outdoor terrace with views to the Harbour Bridge (which will open later this year).
“I’ve always wanted a restaurant in the city, but it had to feel right. When we walked into this building, we felt it straight away – the bones, the history, the energy. It’s an iconic space,” says Colosi.
The heritage sandstone building was originally built as a bakehouse in the 1860s. The Colosis worked with designers at Squillace to strip back the interiors and return the building back to its raw character, with exposed sandstone, hardwood joists, and intimate lighting.
Head Chef Adam Nicholls, who has worked alongside Colosi since 2001, will lead the kitchen, where he’ll be joined by Pasta Chef Antonio Ruocco, Pizza Chef Alessandro Penna, and Pastry Chef Bonnie Hong.
Norton Street signature classics like the tuna carpaccio and salt-baked snapper join the menu, alongside new additions like White Rocks veal from WA, and fior di latte soft serve ice cream with olive oil and sea salt.
Upstairs, Charlie’s Bar will serve aperitivo-led cocktails and a dedicated bar menu. The wine cellar holds over 300 labels, primarily Italian and French, alongside more than 150 varieties of grappa.
Grappa The Rocks is open daily from midday to 11pm at 107-109 George Street. grappa.com.au
Photography by Steven Woodburn.
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Dining and Cooking