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Right in time for summer, the Yarra Valley has uncorked a dash of extra fizz. Zonzo Estate – a local producer known for its winery, restaurant and smash-hit Zoncello Spritz – recently launched an energetic new restaurant in the heart of Healesville: Zoncello Yarra Valley. If the OG Zonzo venue is your well-dressed stepmother who greets you at the door, then consider this new upstart your sassy, cool cousin who already got the party started before lunch.
For Rod Micallef, Zonzo Estate's director, Zoncello has been a Spritz-soaked vision a decade in the making.
“Zoncello is a natural extension of the brand,” Micallef shares. “It’s about energy, connection and indulgence. Just like our Spritzes, the venue is designed to be fun, vibrant, and a little bit brazen, while still deeply rooted in Italian tradition.”
Pull up to the former Innocent Bystander site and you'll now discover a playfully laid out maze of eating and drinking spaces for afternoon Spritzes, skewers and long lunch-worthy Italian fare – all served up in a bright, buzzing environment inspired by the glorious Spritz itself. The Zonzo team worked closely with interior designer Claire Larrit Evans to bring the large industrial-style space back to life.
“Zoncello is the new permanent home for Rod’s Spritz range, beginning with the incredible success of Zoncello and followed closely by Bellina and Cicchio,” explains Larrit Evans. “We wanted the interiors to embody that same vibrancy and effervescence, while offering guests a space that feels joyful, warm and deeply considered. Zoncello had to be a destination in every sense, rewarding the journey to the Yarra Valley with an experience that feels immersive and memorable.”
It's not all about Spritzes and sophistication, however, with delicious and approachable Italian fare also proving a key attraction; executive chef David Petrilli (ex-Marameo) has designed a menu that balances traditional flavour with innovative technique.
Signature arrosticini (skewers of lamb or chicken) are cooked over clean-burning local eucalyptus charcoal, all pasta is made fresh daily, and pizzas are created from a new house dough that's completely unique to the venue.
Another highlight at Zoncello is the Salumeria, which boasts daily breads, salumi, cheese, vegetables and fresh-cut-to-order fruit, all available to dine in or take away. And while you're browsing, you might as well also pick up extra bottles of your fave ready-to-drink Spritzes to bring home with you. After all, Zoncello is the only place to find the brand's entire Spritz suite: Zoncello (limoncello), Bellina (peach Bellini), Cicchio (pistacchio) and Roro (aperitivo).
“Spritz has become one of the most popular categories of drinking in Australia,” says Micallef. “For us, it’s more than a pre-lunch tradition, it’s a way of life. Zoncello is the home for that culture.”
Need a bit of pep before you drive home? That may come in the form of a tiramisu ice cream sandwich or a post-lunch espresso (made from Illy coffee).
Hit the road and check it out or find more info at the website.
Zoncello Yarra Valley is now open at 316-334 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.
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