Cover Story
An Italian’s guide to wining and dining in Melbourne this party season.
Joey Dee of Tetto di Carolina on where to eat and drink your way through summer in the city.
2 Minute Read
It’s the summer of occasion dressing, suave suiting and copious cocktail-ing. But where to go? And who to trust for rollicking recommendations? We’ve consulted a Melburnian man-about-town, muso and hospitality maestro to guide us in our wining and dining itineraries in the metropolis.
Joey Dee of South Yarra’s splendrous Tetto di Carolina exudes Italian charm and Melbourne style. It’s an above-ground intersection of music, molto bene tipples and truly delicious morsels. Tetto exists as a ritzy rooftop oasis, complete with live jazz music, exceptional people watching, a sleek fit-out and even better outfitings from its patrons. It seems on this ‘Tetto’ (read: ‘roof’ in Italian), the good life is tangible.
From brunch stints to long soirées, Joey runs us through his favourite destinations to eat, imbibe and while away a few hours. This is summer in the city, the Italian way.
This is summer in the city, the Italian way.
Tetto di Carolina, @tettodicarolina_
Tetto di Carolina, @tettodicarolina_
Breakfast?
Love dropping in to Ned’s for a classic breakfast and taking a few pastry treats away with me. My other favourite is the morning salad at Gilson. Poached eggs, broccoli, grains, avocado — it’s the perfect way to start the day.
Lunch?
I recently went to the Carlton Wine Room and absolutely loved it. The anchovy toasts were a stand out for me.
Sundowners?
If I’m lucky enough to snag an outside table at The Alps, it’s a great place to sink a few delicious drops with friends.
Dinner?
Il Bacaro has just reopened after undergoing a refresh, so I would cruise into the city to sip a few Bellinis and explore their new menu — it’s been refined to focus on Venetian cuisine using Victorian produce.
Dessert?
After dinner, hop over to Pidapippo before late night drinks in Carlton.
Tell us a bit about what you do at Tetto. How did it come to life?
Tetto is a passion project by three friends: Joe Mammone (Bar Carolina, Il Bacaro, Marameo), James Sutherland (Light Years) and myself. We each brought our expertise to the table and our concept quickly formed: a cocktail-forward bar with European sensibility and a strong music program. My background is in music as well as hospitality, and Tetto provides us with a stage to showcase the best jazz and soul artists in Melbourne and Australia.
What are you most looking forward to this summer in Melbourne?
Reactivating our rooftop terrace and the vibe each week at Sunday Live. Every Sunday we host a different artist at Tetto, usually accompanied by someone on the keys or cello — or any instrument really (anything goes!).
Your go-to outfit for aperitivo hour?
A crisp white shirt from Acne Studios and black jeans, plus Common projects sneakers all the way.
Your elevated outfitting for somewhere extra fancy?
A classic black slim-line suit — maybe black on black on black? Always teamed with sneakers, of course.
What’s your favourite thing about Tetto in the summer? And how is it special?
The energy at Tetto is something I haven’t experienced anywhere else in Melbourne. When you get up those stairs, it’s like a completely different world.
