Lorenzo Toscani, Kim Stephen and James Sutherland opened their Bar Monte in Miami
A new ‘neighbourhood Italian’ has moved into a southern Gold Coast suburb and locals are loving it.
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A new “neighbourhood Italian” has moved into a southern Gold Coast suburb.
Experienced hospitality operators Lorenzo Toscani, Kim Stephen and James Sutherland opened Bar Monte on December 19.
Mr Toscani said he had high hopes the “vibrant dining venue” would become the suburb’s new “neighbourhood Italian”.
“It’s designed to be a go-to spot for both locals and visitors, offering a curated experience of exceptional food, cocktails, wine and hospitality,” he said.
“Bar Monte has been in the works for over a year.
“It started as an idea to expand our footprint from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast, following the steps of Light Years, which initially started in Byron Bay and now has locations in Noosa, Burleigh, Newcastle, Byron Bay and soon to open Perth.”
Mr Toscani said he drew most of his inspiration for the food from his previous workplaces, including Bar Carolina and Pixie Italian.
The menu will feature mafaldine (a ribbon-shaped pasta) with Moreton Bay bugs, and linguine di mare al cartoccio.
Mr Toscani said, while the team initially thought Bar Monte would find its home in hot spots Burleigh or Nobby Beach, they decided on a “different approach”.
“We looked for somewhere new, slightly off the beaten track, and that’s when we decided Miami was the perfect spot for us,” he said.
“It’s an area growing and improving quickly, with breweries, cafes and quality restaurants.
“It’s a lively area with a strong sense of community and I felt that Bar Monte would complement and enhance the local dining scene.”
Gold Coast diner Roberto Catania said he was “so happy to have found this little gem in Miami”.
“Absolutely loved this little neighbourhood restaurant and we can’t wait to be back,” Shervin Mazaheri added.
“Delicious Italian food with each dish better than the last. Grazie.”
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