Ciao, Pialligo! Armada Collective bringing new Italian identity to Pialligo Estate
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In what signifies a rebirth for one of Canberra’s most iconic food destinations, much-loved local chef John Leverink and his Armada Collective team are taking over Pialligo Estate.
The deal has just been signed, the state-of-the-art gelato and pasta machines ordered from Italy, and head chef Jason Lear has been appointed to bring his flair for Italian cuisine to the bucolic fields of Pialligo ahead of the full relaunch in 2027.
The estate will have a new name and completely new identity to what has come before.
Think Tuscany along the Molonglo River Corridor.
The team behind The Boat House, Beltana Farm and Margot want a new vision for this destination dining point, shaped by the rituals that make Italian hospitality so enduring. Think handmade pasta, pizza from a wood-fired oven, leisurely lunches, aperitivo on the lawn and gelato enjoyed among the gardens. And in the spirit of all things Italian, children are welcome!
Jason honed his Italian culinary skills at Cafe Di Stasio in St Kilda, before moving onto some of the country’s most esteemed Italian institutions such as Pilu at Freshwater, Stefano’s in Mildura and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne and he plans to elevate the dining experience for Italian food across the region while keeping the Pialligo experience relaxed and always family-friendly.
HerCanberra founder Amanda Whitley in conversation with chef John Leverink
For years, the sprawling estate has occupied a special place in Canberra’s hospitality landscape, known for its olive groves, manicured lawns, timber pavilions and sweeping views towards the city. After some management upheavals, John is hoping to bring a long-term commitment and stability to the location.
Given John’s and business partner James Souter’s track record and extensive experience operating everything from fine dining to Ramen Daddy, the pair are confident they can make the Italian-flavoured, relaxed, and produce-led experiences suit Pialligo.
The deal means the Armada team are already in charge of events, weddings, corporate and private celebrations that have been booked in the space. But they will be taking their time to refurbish the general dining facilities before the relaunch.
The takeover brings experienced local operators and a clear new culinary direction. For Armada Collective, it adds an estate-scale venue to a portfolio that already stretches from truffle country to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
“We thought to ourselves, why not own three restaurants on the same street,” says John.
And according to James, “We couldn’t pass up this opportunity to make something really special happen in this space.”
