Team behind Zero81 Napoli open new European-style bistro at Battery Point

Despite already running a pizza restaurant at Kingston Beach, the duo have opened a new bistro believing there is a gap in the market. Here’s how.

Owners Matteo Diedhiou and Juliana Monachetti at Hampden Bar and Bistro which has opened this week in Battery Point. Picture: Linda Higginson.

Juliana Monachetti and Matteo Diedhiou know a thing or two about running a successful restaurant in Tasmania.

The hospo pros behind Kingston Beach restaurant Zero81 Napoli Ristorante and Pizzeria are adding to their portfolio with the Hampden Bar and Bistro at Battery Point.

Since its recent opening, the modern European restaurant with a focus on Tasmanian produce has been inundated with hungry punters.

“We have a big focus on our Tasmanian cuts of meat sourced through Marcus Vermey from Vermey’s Quality Meats,” Mrs Monachetti said.

“As well as a large selection of local and imported wines, the bar and bistro is quite an intimate space.”

Owners Matteo Diedhiou and Juliana Monachetti with their daughter Valentina, aged 3, at Hampden Bar and Bistro which has opened this week in Battery Point. Picture: Linda Higginson.

The husband and wife duo say they were brought together by their shared Italian heritage and love of Italian food.

“My dad is Italian and came out when he was a young man to Tasmania, and my husband Matteo was born and raised in Naples, Italy,” she said.

“We met when we were both working in Melbourne, and I manage the business and run the front of house and Mateo cooks up a storm in the kitchen. We make a good team.”

One of the dining rooms at Hampden Bar and Bistro which has opened this week in Battery Point. Picture: Linda Higginson.

As a restaurant located in a tourist destination, Mrs Monachetti said the Hampden team aimed to showcase Tasmanian produce to the world.

“When it comes to modern European cuisine, I don’t think that there’s actually that much around in Hobart,” she said.

“We saw maybe a little gap in the market, and we thought we could get into that niche.

“So we’re here to change that with our European-style menu and an extensive steak menu.

“Our signature dish is probably our 660g ribeye accompanied with two sauces and two sides. It’s a perfect share plate and good value for money. There is also our delicious quail as well as our duck tortellini with a truffle sauce.”

Hampden Bar and Bistro is located at 22 Francis St, Battery Point, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.