A ROSETTA FOR THE CROWN

Rosetta

Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006
(03) 8648 1999 or www.rosettaristorante.com

The Rockpool Group officially opened their latest restaurant, Rosetta, at Crown Melbourne on Tuesday October 23.  Rosetta is the Group’s third restaurant in Melbourne and seventh in Australia.

Neil Perry is the creative force behind Rosetta, an Italian ristorante that combines an  Iain Halliday-designed dining room with a seasonally driven menu of Neil’s favourite regional recipes from his extensive travels through Italy.

As with all Rockpool Group restaurants, wine is an important part of Rosetta’s offering.  Managed by Restaurant Manager and Sommelier Daniele Bilancetti, the wine list features over 700 Italian varietals from both Italy and Australia.

Designed by Australian designer Iain Halliday of Burley Katon Halliday (BKH) and inspired by the simple elegance of Cipriani’s and Harry’s Bar, Rosetta is overlaid with luxurious Italian points of interest.  Carrara and Viola marble are dominant features throughout the dining room together with rich mahogany parquetry walls, which are adorned by some of Italy’s most famous faces.  The large domed ceilings with Barovier & Toso chandeliers contrast with the russet coloured velvet banquettes, custom-made leather chairs and sheer linen blinds that cocoon the space.

“Iain and I wanted Rosetta to be classical, luxe and to reference all the important ‘Italianisms’ that we aspire to,” says Neil. “From the punched tan leather reception desk, which resembles the interior of a Ferrari, to the vintage Fornasetti screens, antiques and gilded pieces, everything has been meticulously sourced to create this highly individual, beautifully designed and highly functional restaurant.”

A small bar in the centre of the dining room, with views to the busy kitchen, seats 10 people while the private dining room, with a modern Warhol-inspired mural of Michelangelo’s The Last Supper, accommodates 20 people.