The brains behind Kittyhawk, Big Poppas and Lobo Plantation gets set to open Caffe Bartolo on Crown Street.

Brunch fanatics were quick to panic when they first caught wind that Bills in Surry Hills was on the move. But rest assured, he hasn’t moved far, the new site located just next door at the former Marque restaurant. With the original Surry Hills site empty, Jared Merlino, an up-and-coming star of Sydney’s hospitality scene, was quick to acquire such prime culinary real estate. Now in his latest move, we’re told he’ll be opening a brand new all-day Italian eatery, Caffe Bartolo.
If Merlino’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the current co-owner of iconic Sydney venues including Big Poppas, Kittyhawk and Lobo Plantation.
With doors predicted to open in October 2018, Caffe Bartolo gets set to take Eastern suburbanites and lovers of all things Italiano by storm. The new café and eatery will sit in esteemed Italian company, with Flour Eggs Water and The Dolphin Hotel a mere hop, skip and jump away from the eatery. Named after his great grandfather Bartolo Merlino, Caffe Bartolo comes with a heavy family focus.
As for the menu, we’re yet to receive any of the finer details. That being said, patrons can expect everything from morning coffees to cocktails and Italian inspired dishes. Whilst Merlino’s other venues carry a greater bar focus, we’re told Caffe Bartolo will focus an equal proportion of its energy on both the food and drinks offerings.
Caffe Bartolo is predicted open at 359 Crown Street, Surry Hills in mid-October. Be sure to watch this space as more information comes to rise!