A new Italian restaurant is on the cusp of opening, with Il Santo arriving to Claremont’s Bay View Terrace this Thursday.
The relaxed, wine-led osteria comes from the came team as much-loved Cott institution Il Lido and its sister venue, Applecross pizzeria Canteen – taking over the former Nolita site, which had also been operated as part of the same group since 2023.
“We’ve had this restaurant in mind for quite some time for this space and it reflects a lot how
people want to dine these days,” says Lyndon Waples, Managing Director of Ocean Group.
“Il Santo will have a tighter and simpler menu offering, more osteria and less trattoria. Quality drinks and very good snacking will be the key features, as well as a rotating pasta and main selection derived from the classics that will keep you coming back day after day.”
The venue has been transformed by Adelaide and Sydney-based architects and interior designers Studio Gram – who are also behind the design of Canteen, as well as Osborne Park coffee roaster Micrology and The Beach House Jindalee.
Leading the kitchen will be Executive Chef Nicola Lunardi, with pasta handmade daily by the same team as Il Lido’s – leaning towards comfort over coastal cool, particularly as winter’s chill sets in.
“The pasta will be Il Santo’s version of Italian classics,” explains Lunardi.
“A popular dish from my hometown will be served, mafaldine e fagioli – traditionally a pasta soup with roots across Veneto, Tuscany and Campania – my version is the perfect comforting dish as we head into
the cooler months.”
Alongside pasta, snacks – including bites like Shark Bay prawn sandwiches with house-made tartare, mortadella skewers and local octopus – complement the robust drinks offering.
Wines delve into the Il Lido cellar, with a program led by Michael Mori, Ocean Group’s Wine Director. Over 100 wines feature on the Italian-leaning list, with over 30 on offer by the glass.
Nicola Lunardi and Sally Lovell.
Across the bar, Ivan Ivanov and Sally Lovell have curated an offering that puts classic Italian tipples centre stage.
“Our drinks programme is dedicated to the classics – they are classics for a reason, plus a few
little twists,” says Lovell.
“Get settled into Il Santo with a Lemon Drop Martini with a refreshing yuzu kick or a Milano Torino, a delicious aperitivo with Campari and Punt e Mas. My pick would be a savoury Tomatini with the beef carpaccio. Salute!”
And if you ask Lunardi, there’s no better way to finish an evening than the Tuscan tradition of cantucci e Vin Santo – or almond biscotti served with sweet dessert wine.
“This is the best way to end a meal,” explains Lunardi.
“You don’t just eat the cantucci, the crunchy biscotti must be dipped into the wine, and it softens beautifully. The almond flavours are perfect with the wine’s caramel sweetness.”
Il Santo is located at 16 Bay View Terrace, Claremont, and is scheduled to open on Thursday, May 14 from 4pm.
Dining and Cooking