After 26 years of serving house-made Italian fare on Norton Street, Leichhardt institution Grappa has opened its second venue in The Rocks, taking over the former Rockpool site that’s been sitting vacant since 2022.
Founder Charlie Colosi and his wife Virginie are bringing their signature old-school hospitality to the CBD, occupying a heritage sandstone building from the 1860s that’s been stripped back to expose its raw character.
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
- What to Eat: House-made pasta, pizza, bread, and desserts; Long-Line Snapper baked in rock salt crust; Fior di Latte Soft Serve with olive oil and sea salt
- What to Drink: Over 300 wine labels (Italian and French focus), more than 150 varieties of grappa, aperitivo-led cocktails at Charlie’s Bar
- When to Go: Now open, book here.
- Where: 107-109 George Street, The Rocks
- Vibe Check: Old-school Italian hospitality in a heritage 1860s sandstone building with exposed raw character, warm lighting, and 300 seats spanning multiple levels
