Aperol and a little slice of Italian deli life at Canberra Centre

Posted on 31 August, 2022

Just like walking through Nonna’s pantry, Negozio by Amelia at Canberra Centre promises sensory overload.

The smells, colours and familiar products of Italy will welcome shoppers as they round the corner to the Beauty Garden, taking over the space that used to house Passiontree Velvet.

Negozio operates seven days as a café, store and bottega, providing fresh-made real panini, piadine (Italian street food—flat bread with two-three fillings), a range of breads and savoury pastries.

As Negozio is the son of Pasticceria Amelia in Belconnen, it also offers a range of sweet treats including sfogliatelle, rum baba, torta di pera e ricotta, biscotti, amaretti and cantucci, cannoli and some exemplary Portugese tarts.

Meanwhile, the corner position allows for walls of shelving to show off Negozio’s range of produce, including coffee. Negozio has partnered with Roasting Warehouse Speciality Coffee of Melbourne, who has developed a special Dark Italian roast just for them.

The store is also licensed to sell a range of Italian wines, liquors and spirits available to both enjoy in store and for purchase.

Smallgoods include the sorts of things you’d find in Nonna’s pantry, including biscotti, olive oil, fresh and dry pastas and cheeses, among other things.

And if you feel really inspired, you can buy some Italian cookware, and a pasta machine and go it alone at home.

Fridays mean late night shopping and Negozio will go back to the classics—antipasto and a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz.

Owner Ben McDonald wants to create a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere where an evening of shopping can conclude over a platter of prosciutto, cheese, pickles and fresh bread.

“We want it to be uncomplicated and satisfying,” says Ben.