First Look: Amici Wine Bar & Deli

Posted on 23 May, 2019

It’s time to meet (or perhaps meat) your new best friend, Amici. 

Opening its doors on Saturday 25 May, Amici Wine Bar & Deli will bring a bright slice of Italian chic to the Melbourne building, adding yet another feather to the cap of Lala Hospitality Group, the team behind Molly, 88mph and The Highball Express.

With boutique wines, crafted cocktails and grab-and-go food on the menu, wine pairings will be a big feature of the intimate bar. Paired with what, you might ask? Classic Italian, of course. Think gourmet meats and cheeses, antipasti, pizza and more.

It’s also no surprise that Amici, which translates to ‘friends’ in Italian, is all about getting the gang together, with “Instagrammable offerings” and plans to host plenty of “boozy brunches [and] guided wine tastings”.

But that doesn’t mean the atmosphere will be a rowdy one.

“Amici will also be speaking to consumers’ growing interest in low-ABV (low alcohol by volume) cocktails,” explains Lala Hospitality Group Sales and Marketing Director Jessica Arena.

“Our cocktail menu will include a selection of no and low-ABV cocktails to allow consumers to have a social drink with friends in a conscious and responsible manner.”

Situated across from Civic’s light rail station, those heading home or to social engagements after work can even nab themselves a takeaway antipasti platter and matched bottle of wine.

In the daylight, Amici’s pastel interior will serve up takeaway coffee, house-made salads, sandwiches and other grab-and-go options for city workers.

And for those wishing they worked in the city, Amici’s ‘corporate program’ will allow local businesses to order Friday night drinks and platter packages to be delivered to their office each week.

Sounds like Canberrans have a new best friend.

the essentials 

What: Amici Wine Bar & Deli
When: Opening Saturday 25 May
Where: 59 Northbourne Avenue, Civic
Website: amici.bar
Instagram: instagram.com/amicicbr