Masterchef star Laura Sharrad opens Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room on Leigh St, Adelaide

MasterChef star Laura Sharrad and her husband Max are set to unveil their latest project this week, in the building that was home to Rigoni’s.

MasterChef star Laura Sharrad and her husband Max are set to unveil their latest project – Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room – this week, opening in the Leigh Street building that was home to Rigoni’s for more than 40 years.

“We’re of course tired and stressed, it’s a huge project, but we can’t wait to finally open and start welcoming people to the new space,” Laura said.

The young couple, who already run the successful Nido Bar & Pasta restaurant on King William Road, have teamed up with restaurateur Simon Kardachi of Shobosho and Osteria Oggi fame for the Italian/New York-inspired Fugazzi.

“The whole world went into lockdown when it kind of came up, but fortunately we’re still in this nice little bubble and able to open a new restaurant in this environment,” Max said.

Max and Laura Sharrad with Simon Kardachi at the new restaurant. Picture: Supplied

With city workers heading back into the office, the team is hoping to reintroduce the concept of the long lunch in a fully renovated dining room complete with plush booths and modern fittings and fixtures, as well as ­offering a hip bar area for a quick drink and a simple snack.

“We’re not setting any new rules – we want to honour what we love in Italian food,” Kardachi said.

“The experience can be as casual or as formal as you choose – you can come in for a slice of pizza with a cocktail or a beer, or you can spend five hours leisurely lazing over lunch.

“In a building with class and heritage, and as Rigoni’s (was) the flagship Leigh St site for over 40 years, we wanted to revitalise and pay honour to tradition but also bring it forward.”

Fugazzi will host a VIP event on Wednesday before opening to the public from Saturday, May 1.