NOW EXPERIENCING:Studio Amaro
Drinks Directory|Killer cocktails|Restaurant|Good for groups

Studio Amaro

168 Chapel Street, Windsor, VIC, 3181
Phone
(03) 7046 0891
Website
studioamaro.au
Instagram
@studio.amaro

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 25 Jul 2024

By
Michael Harden

Inside Studio Amaro in Melbourne's Windsor

This two-level ode to Italy combines a suave street-level diner, a late-night bar in the basement and a love of bittersweet amaro liqueurs by way of a superb 40-plus list.

The well-stocked bar at Studio Amaro in Melbourne
Why you goThe folks behind Studio Amaro, the Commune Group, are best known for their good-time take on a range of Asian cuisines in places like New Quarter, Moonhouse and Firebird. Stylish fit-outs, user-friendly food and serious attention to cocktails are a given in all their venues, and they’ve stuck with that part of the format at Amaro, their latest and largest venture at the Windsor end of Chapel Street. As the name might suggest, though, the template at their new joint has shifted focus to Europe – Italy to be exact. They’ve also upped the offer to include both a street-level restaurant and a basement bar that opens late three nights a week. With its DJ booth and lounge seating, the bar has a distinct Euro-nightclub vibe and Studio Amaro’s dedication to its namesake – in the form of a list of 40-plus amari (Italy’s family of bittersweet liqueurs) and cocktails that take full advantage of that list – adds a hefty dose of Italian-accented style to the experience. The amaro list is available in the restaurant, too, so good times are assured, both upstairs and down.
Why you stayThe Commune Group knows how to throw an atmospheric room together and, by teaming up with interior architect Wendy Bergman (Royal Oak, Hawker Hall, Poodle), they’ve come up with another winner, all dark greens, reds and browns, timber panelling, corduroy-upholstered banquettes and glamorously muted lighting. The downstairs bar with its plywood-clad walls has a retro ’70s feel, a perfect match for the music that leans towards synth-driven Italo-disco. It’s certainly cool, but not in an alienating way. Instead, it’s comforting, relaxing and, it has to be said, groovy. It’s an ideal venue for settling into conversation over strong, dark drinks after dinner in the restaurant or heading downstairs to join the fashionable crowd enjoying the ever-changing roster of DJs.
The setting inside Studio Amaro
Serving drinks at Studio Amaro
What drink to orderIt would be crazy to come here without dipping into the amaro list. The variety of this dark, herbal liqueur is on full display here with mostly Italian-produced versions rubbing shoulders with a few standout Australian and French labels. Divided into sweet, bittersweet, bitter and very bitter categories, the list includes both well-known names like Campari, Cynar, Aperol, Fernet Branca and Amaro Montenegro and harder-to-find labels such as a complex 1961 vintage number from Amaro Lucano. There’s also a smart Spritz list that makes good use of the amari and classic cocktails like Negroni, Americano and Hanky Panky that also show off the liqueurs’ dark and bitter strengths to great effect.
What to pair it withStudio Amaro’s menu reads like a greatest-hits list of Italian food – affogato, prosciutto melone, veal cotoletta, burrata, arrabbiata pasta are all present. It also includes a great antipasto selection, perfect for teaming with a drink or two. Grilled pork and fennel sausages come with a rich, sweet caponata of tomatoey eggplant, and octopus is teamed with beans and bright and fruity Aleppo pepper. The pasta list is worth a look, too, while those feeling the need to go full carnivore can opt for a dry-aged sirloin on the bone, teamed with a theme-appropriate amaro and peppercorn jus.
A spread of dishes to share at Studio Amaro
A busy evening at Studio Amaro in Windsor, Melbourne
Regular’s tipLoving the music being played downstairs? Radio Amaro is Studio Amaro’s own “radio station” that can be accessed on Soundcloud via the website and includes excellent, hours-long playlists chosen by the resident DJs so you can try this at home.
Who to takeThere are many moods to Studio Amaro, which means it can offer a little something for every occasion. Daytimes, the upstairs restaurant is flooded with light and makes a good venue for a casual long lunch with friends and family. But as the light fades, Studio Amaro takes on a moodier, darker vibe perfectly suited for date night or for rowdier celebrations with friends, particularly if your friends are up for some Italo-disco-infused partying in the bar downstairs after dinner.
Sponsor logo
In partnership with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
image credits: Julia Sansone; Jana Longhorst.
Authour image
Michael HardenAfter 25 years writing about wine and food, Michael Harden is getting the hang of it.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryRestaurantParty vibesBarMelbourneKiller cocktailsGood for groupsVego Food OptionsAfter work drinksRecently openedMeal and a bevNon-alc OptionsCasual catch-upMelbourne – Inner SouthSpecialty Bar
REPORT A VENUE CLOSURE/REPORT AN ERROR
Related Articles