First Look: Il Camino
Posted on
Since Dion Bisa opened Agostinis in her Kingston hotel East five years ago, it’s been a thriving hub of authentic Italian food and energy.
But there was some unfinished business. A small end partition to the large dining room was left largely ignored—until now.
Il Camino promises the thrill of a private room that will hold up to 40 people, which can often be a difficult ask in a city where private dining rooms are usually much smaller affairs.
Owner Dion Bisa in Il Camino
“We saw a wide gap in the market for special rooms that people could book exclusively for private functions. So many of our guests want to book a room, close the door and party with their friends! Who doesn’t?” Dion said.
“Il Camino was such a fun project to work on as we really wanted to create a luxurious room that our guests felt special in. It was also very important that we created the new space to be used all year around—so in the warmer months you can open the large glass windows and feel summer in the air and in the colder months you can sip a negroni by the fireplace!”
Il Camino can be hired exclusively or partially for private functions. There are two main sections of the space—the long dining tables to the right and the smaller, intimate tables to the left closest to the fireplace. Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails and then dinner, followed post-dinner digestivo.
Designer Kelly Ross, who is responsible for the restaurant’s vibrant design as well as Joe’s Bar and the refurbished lobby, was given the brief to make Il Camino a destination point in its own right with distinctive decor which sets it apart from the bustling and family-friendly vibe of the eatery.
“Il Camino needed to be glamorous yet approachable, bold yet soft, warm and very unique. No pressure!” said Kelly.
She noted the materials, textures and forms were inspired by one of the most enigmatic and inventive Italian Architects of all time—Carlo Scarpa.
“The connection to Agostinis is made with material choices that reference the dramatic Northern Italian region and its many traditions. The folding screens become a device to create intimate dining or bar experiences and create movement and play within the room. In this way it can be booked as one or two private celebration spaces.”
With large stone tables from Atmosphere Stone, chairs from Coco Republic, terrazzo floor tiles from Surface Gallery and accent lighting from The Lighting Collective and Mark Douglas among others, one end of the room is lined in textured wall panels while the other wall holds the fireplace. Brass accents abound and there is a mix of low and high seating and direct access to the bar through a large brass-framed window.
It’s come a long way from being the enclosed outdoor terrace it once was and is open for business now.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Il Camino private function room
Where: East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue Kingston
When: 12 noon til late
Web: eat@agostinis.com.au 02 6178 0048
