New luxury IGA Locali opens in Sydney CBD to rival Coles, Woolworths

A new IGA has opened its doors in Sydney’s CBD that offers shoppers more than just groceries after being modelled on fancy Harrods in London.

A “game-changing” supermarket has opened its doors in Sydney with its savvy look compared to the likes of the luxurious Harrods in the UK.

Locali by Romeo’s IGA, which officially opened its doors on Monday in the CBD, boasts

a dine-in restaurant, bar, wood-fired pizzas and a walk-in cheese room that has been designed to combine the look and feel of the trendy Eataly in New York and the fancy Harrods store in London.

RELATED: ‘Next-level’ supermarket stuns shoppers

Inside Australia’s ‘game-changing’ new IGA supermarket in Sydney’s CBD. Picture: IGA

It comes after another IGA branch made headlines last week for its impressive set-up.

This new first-of-its-kind Aussie supermarket is owned by Joseph Romeo, who was determined to bring the unique experience of a combined supermarket and restaurant to the streets of Sydney.

And not even the rain stopped shoppers from getting a first glimpse of the trendy new grocer on Monday.

“We were pretty busy at the launch, which was great,” Mr Romeo told news.com.au.

He said he was able to bring the concept of a combined supermarket and restaurant a reality through his years of industry and travel experience.

RELATED: ‘Absolutely delicious: $9 Aldi item frenzy

Yes, it has a cheese room. Picture: IGA

And an Italian restaurant that boasts a wood-fire pizza oven. Picture: IGA

“I have been fortunate to have been in the industry for a long time and travel the world for a number of years – so this IGA, as I like to describe it, is Harrods meets Eataly,” Mr Romeo told news.com.au.

“A lot of people have referred to it as a ‘game-changer’ mainly because there is a lot of unique things about it. We have a cheese room, sushi bar, coffee shop and pre-made meals all made fresh.”

The one-of-a-kind supermarket is set to rival Coles and Woolworths which have multiple stores across the CBD.

RELATED: $4 Woolies item you ‘need to try’

Locali by Romeo, is owned by Joseph Romeo, who scoured the world to bring the concept of a combined supermarket and restaurant to the streets of Australia’s biggest city. Picture: IGA

He said it was inspired by the likes of Eataly in New York and Harrods in the UK. Picture: IGA

Model Natalie Roser (pictured) was one of the first to check out the new concept which also boasts a coffee shop, bakery and ready-to-go meals. Picture: IGA

“We’re definitely bringing the competition to the city – we’re unique to the market,” Mr Romeo said, adding that grocer is evolving and catching up to what is happening in Europe and the US.

“The Sydney CBD has done it particularly tough recently and we hope Locali by Romeo’s IGA provides a real boost to the local community with one shop that offers and adds so much to the overall shopping experience.”

It officially opened on Monday, with Natalie saying it reminded of her of food halls in the US. Picture: IGA

The store also has a restaurant inside which is led by chef Orazio D’Elia and includes Italian-inspired dishes such as zucchini flowers and fried calamari and boasts an array of premium-cut steak.

Ingredients used in the restaurant are sold in-store and also caters to those who prefer on-the-go meals.

There is a dine-in restaurant and a bar within the supermarket too. Picture: IGA

The sushi bar. Picture: IGA

It’s also got a normal grocer. Picture: IGA

Mr Romeo said the new supermarket will appeal to a diverse range of people, from “office workers looking for the best quality affordable restaurant and bar experience, to those after a quick and tasty bite to eat” within reach of their groceries.

Local by Romeo’s IGA is located at 388 George Street, Sydney and is open from 6am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 9pm Saturday to Sunday. The restaurant is open from 11am to 3pm and cafe from 6am every day.