Andre Ursini opens Orso European bistro and Willmott’s delicatessen in Kensington Rd
A well-known Adelaide chef and restaurateur is opening the doors on his highly detailed, two-year project — an ambitious new venue that combines a large, bistro-style diner, a bar and a food store.
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Well-known chef and restaurateur Andre Ursini is set to open the doors on an ambitious new eastern suburbs venue that brings together a large, bistro-style diner and a delicatessen.
A historic, two-storey bluestone property, at the city end of Kensington Rd, has been transformed into Orso, a modern European restaurant, and Willmott’s Gastronomia, a mix of food store and bar, with a total of 130 seats.
Ursini, and his architect father Giuliano, have spent two years on the project which includes private dining rooms and a courtyard.
From the polished timber handle on the front door to the Italian beech tables and stunning feature wall in the dining room, every detail shows great craftsmanship.
“I had promised myself I wouldn’t run two restaurants but opportunities like this don’t come up often,” Ursini says of the project.
“It has been a hard slog but we are very proud of what we have done. Everything has been highly thought about and detailed. Some of the decisions have been excruciating.”
Ursini, who first came to prominence as a finalist in television show MasterChef, will continue to operate the popular Andre’s Cucina and Polenta Bar in the city, as well as a large property at Mylor including vegetable gardens and orchards that will supply some of the produce.
Already jars of house-made pickles and relishes line the shelves at Willmott’s, which will also sell cheeses and smallgoods, as well as offering light meals, platters and drinks.
The large, high-end kitchen for Orso, including a fire pit and charcoal oven, will be overseen by head chef Will Doak (ex-Press Food & Wine).
His first menu builds from snacks and smaller dishes, through a few pasta choices, to larger mains including vegetarian options. A separate brunch menu will be available on Sundays.
“We want it to be warming and open and not too chefy,” Doak says. “We’re in the suburbs. We want locals around the corner to come and bring their children.”
Ursini says the menu isn’t Italian but “I’ve been working with Will for two years and he has incorporated some of my (Italian) heart”.
Orso and Willmott’s will open on November 27.