Inside Grappa The Rocks, the Leichhardt Italian Icon’s New CBD Home
Grappa The Rocks is the second venue from Charlie and Virginie Colosi, expanding their 26-year Leichhardt Italian institution into the CBD. Taking over the former Rockpool site on George Street, the heritage 1860s sandstone building has been stripped back to expose its raw character, with 300 seats spanning the dining room, upstairs Charlie’s Bar and an outdoor terrace.
The menu stays true to the Leichhardt original: all pasta, pizza, bread and desserts made in-house, with Italian tradition grounded in Australian produce. Head Chef Adam Nicholls, who’s worked alongside Colosi since 2001, is leading the kitchen with signature classics like Long-Line Snapper baked in rock salt crust and new additions including Fior di Latte Soft Serve with olive oil and sea salt.
Spanning 300 seats across the dining room, Charlie’s Bar upstairs and an outdoor terrace, the venue houses over 300 wine labels and more than 150 varieties of grappa.
Quick Bites
- Eat: House-made pasta, pizza, bread, and desserts; Long-Line Snapper baked in rock salt crust or Fior di Latte Soft Serve with olive oil and sea salt
- Drink: You’ve got over 150 varieties of grappa to try. Or hit the cocktails at Charlie’s Bar
- Play: Expect old-school Italian hospitality in a heritage 1860s sandstone building with exposed raw character, warm lighting, and 300 seats spanning multiple levels
107-109 George Street, The Rocks
