If you live in or around Sorrento, go ahead and get aquainted with Bar Leo. Neighbouring Roy’s by Gemelli, the aesthetic 80-seater has assumed the newly created corner spot in the complex on Panitz Street. The striking venue has been envisaged as a neighbourhood bar, a place you can come to enjoy a couple of wines over a plate or two, or settle in for something more substantial. In terms of the menu, Bar Leo dishes up modern Mediterranean bites with a lean towards locally sourced seafood and in-season produce. The snacks and small plates include dishes such as handmade chorizo alongside octopus with potato, pickled chilli, parsley, lemon, olive oil and smoked paprika. For those in the mood for something a little more substantial, there’s a cuttlefish ink risotto with local calamari, half roast chicken with nduja, baby spinach and soft herb creme fraiche and a 1-kg Black Angus rib with cauliflower puree, jus and potato crisps. Each dish is sliced and portioned to make it conducive to sharing. The team have plans to introduce a range of constantly rotating specials so that the regulars will always have something new to try. In terms of the drinkables, Bar Leo focusses on wine, predominantly with selections spanning various wine regions including France, Italy and Australia. If you’re in the mood for something fun, look to the ever-changing list inside. This is where they will feature their museum wines as well as the small-batch bottles that are now pouring. There’s a full selection of spirits and cocktails available upon request alongside tap and bottled beers.

To reserve a table, email [email protected] or text 0422 094 401.