Restaurateur Chris Lucas is set to debut his second Sydney venue with the opening of Grill Americano on 19 November, bringing his celebrated Venetian steakhouse concept to the harbour city’s dining scene.
The restaurant will occupy the heritage-listed Qantas House building at No. 1 Chifley Square, marking Lucas’ latest expansion since the original Grill Americano opened on Melbourne’s Flinders Lane in 2022.
Sydney-specific menu debuts
Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini, who joined the Grill Americano kitchen in mid-2024, has collaborated with Lucas and Lucas Restaurants’ Head of Culinary, Damian Snell, to develop a menu tailored to Sydney’s culinary identity. Ursini brings extensive experience from Michelin-starred establishments, including Ristorante Reale, Le Calandre, and Mugaritz.
The Sydney location will feature exclusive dishes including Prawn Panzerotto with Oscietra Caviar, Tuna ‘Nduja and Anchovy Crostini, handmade Bufala Ricotta Ravioli, and Sicilian-Style Seafood Risotto with saffron and chilli.
A dedicated raw seafood bar will showcase oysters, crustacea, and a daily-changing Crudo di Pesce selection.
“We want to honour the signature offering that has resonated so beautifully with our guests in Melbourne, but also to plate up something that captures Sydney’s own energy and appetite for dining,” Lucas said.
Melbourne favourites make the journey
Cult-favourite dishes from the original location will also appear on the Sydney menu, including Scampi alla Veneziana served over Saffron Pilaf and the signature Tiramisù Americano, served tableside.
Chef Simone Giorgianni will continue his acclaimed pasta program, preparing fresh pasta daily, including ravioli, pappardelle, and Lobster Tortellini finished in Sauce Américaine.
The steakhouse component features 15 varieties of premium cuts and speciality beef dishes, including Bistecca Pepe e Verde Angus Chateaubriand with Cognac and Green Peppercorn, and a 700g New York Cut Striploin of Grappa-Infused Dry-Aged Chauvel Beef.
Design and service play a key role
Chris and Sarah Lucas designed the interiors alongside collaborator Samantha Eades, preserving the heritage building’s soaring ceilings and expansive windows while incorporating Grill Americano’s signature blue velvet banquettes and a 30-meter marble bar.
An open kitchen features a Josper grill and wood-fired oven as focal points.
Restaurant Manager Ruaridh Macdonald will lead the front-of-house team, with Master Sommelier Paolo Saccone curating the wine program. The cocktail menu will include an homage to Harry’s Bar’s famous Bellini, a nod to Lucas’ favourite Venice dining destination.
Reservations will open in mid-October at www.grillamericano.com.
