Crown Melbourne’s Italian stalwart Rosetta is closing after 12 years

Crown Melbourne’s beloved Italian restaurant once helmed by chef Neil Perry is closing — and is the first of many changes to roll out at the entertainment hub.

Rosetta, formerly run by Sydney rock star chef Neil Perry, is closing next month.

A beloved Melbourne Italian restaurant once helmed by chef Neil Perry is closing after 12 years.

Rosetta, the jewel in Crown Melbourne’s hospitality stable, announced it would be closing on 18 May as part of the first stages of the casino’s mega-redevelopment.

A new bar, The Henley at Crown Melbourne, will move into the prime river walk space in late 2024.

The Herald Sun understands the move is part of Crown Melbourne’s wider plans to add more casual hospitality venues to the promenade, which is currently occupied by high-end venues such as Rockpool, Spice Temple, Bistro Guillaume and Nobu.

The move comes as the entertainment hub opens another two new venues — lively Cuban bar Fidels at the Merrywell rooftop tonight and Grey Goose bar, Le Martini, opposite The Atlantic, in May.

The Henley is a new bar opening at Crown Melbourne late 2024.

It will replace Rosetta restaurant, which closes on May 18.

The Henley’s hospitality team, along with the food and drinks offering, is yet to be finalised but the bar will focus on Victorian produce and winemakers.

A dramatic U-shaped marble bar will be the centrepiece of the space, with outdoor tables overlooking the Yarra River.

Melbourne chief executive Mike Volkert said the news of The Henley’s opening was the first of many developments.

“The announcement of The Henley at Crown Melbourne signifies the start of what is to come for Crown,” he said.

Sydney chef Neil Perry launched the venue back in 2012.

“We are looking to create a portfolio of restaurants and bars that bring together the best culinary and bartender talent from across the world, combined with the best local talent and inimitable Melbourne flavour to create the city’s most sought-after hospitality destination.”

Rosetta opened at Crown Melbourne in 2012, helmed by rock star Sydney chef Neil Perry.

Perry, under his then Rockpool Group (now Hunter St Hospitality) stable, also had Rockpool and Spice Temple restaurant at Crown Melbourne.