Sydney-based hospitality juggernaut Merivale is bringing its most popular Sydney restaurant to Victoria, adding to the group’s ambitious expansion outside of its home city.
Much like the Bondi flagship, Totti’s Lorne boasts a coastal locale — but with a much closer proximity to the surf thanks to the hotel’s beachfront position. Cue: a Negroni Sbagliato and antipasti platters paired with sweeping ocean views.
Behind the legendary, laidback Italian eatery is executive chef Mike Eggert, who’s working with Lorne Hotel’s executive chef Matt Germanchis on the newest venture. The team are bringing the most successful parts of the Totti’s empire — the antipasti, the wood-fired oven, house-made pasta and, yes, that puffy wood-fired bread — and replicating them at the Lorne venue.
As for the drinks menu, there’ll be the usual favourites (think spritz, negroni, margarita) as well as a focus on local Victorian winemakers and producers.
“Totti’s is a restaurant where you can walk off the beach for a quick bite and glass of wine or stay for a long lunch with friends and families, which fits Lorne to a tee,” Eggert said in a statement. “It is an amazing opportunity to bring Totti’s laidback style and signature dishes to one of the most iconic coastal locations in Australia that is Lorne.”
Located on Lorne Hotel’s ground floor, the restaurant will cater to tourists and locals alike, with room for both bookings and walk-ins. It’ll no doubt adhere to the Merivale aesthetic — polished yet approachable — plus take full advantage of the stunning beach and bush vistas of Louttit Bay.
Totti’s Lorne is slated to open in February 2023. It will be located on the ground floor of Lorne Hotel, 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Victoria.
