Melbourne CBD's Pepe's Italian & Liquor has unveiled its little sister venue Pepe's Parlour next door.
The new concept transforms from ideal lunch hangout to sophisticated martini bar in a glasshouse setting under a 150-year-old Coral Tree in Melbourne.
Owner Nick Kutcher has created a flexible space that balances special occasion dining with approachable fun.
Since October 2019, Pepe’s Italian & Liquor has built a loyal following with its Italian New York migrant fare and atmospheric interior celebrating the golden age of 1930s and 1940s New York.
Now Pepe’s Parlour adds vibrant colour and playful energy as the dressed-up little sister venue.
Pepe’s Parlour Melbourne
- Where: 275-285 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
- When: Now open
- Hours: Lunch and dinner service
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The feminine, sunlit dining room features marble-topped round tables and green leopard print garden chairs.
The connecting martini bar presents a moody contrast with warm timber panelling, velvety bar seating and chic table lamps.
Head Chef Antonio Loffredo bakes ciabatta bread each morning in a custom brick oven and creates house-made pasta in an open kitchen.
The lunch menu focuses on affordability with items under $30, including hot Italian sandwiches such as porchetta, eggplant parmigiana and a signature chicken cacciatore dip.
Pasta options include spicy vodka rigatoni and baby ricotta and salami cannelloni.
Six lunch plates emphasise well-balanced eating, pairing hero proteins with three sides.
The evening transformation brings a martini bar that balances sophistication with approachable fun.
The menu offers playful riffs on classics including the Pornstar, Mexican and Appletini, alongside timeless martinis from across the eras.
The signature Jordy’s Tomatoes martini nods to the bespoke rooftop mural by celebrated Melbourne-based Dutch artist Jordy Van Den Nieuwendijk, featuring subtle tomato flavour in a classic-style martini.
All martinis come with complimentary nuts and olives, while Pepe’s full restaurant menu remains available throughout the night.
The venue includes a private semi-covered outdoor patio with heaters, perfect for birthdays, hen’s parties, weddings and corporate events.
For more information, head here.
