Lunetta: Red Hill’s iconic peak is getting not one, but two new restaurants

Posted on 24 April, 2024

Mid-century modernist icon 60 Red Hill Drive (otherwise known as the space-age-looking building at the top of Red Hill) will come back to life this summer with not one, but two new restaurants taking up residence in its hallowed walls.

Originally built in 1963 by architect Miles Jakl, the building was renovated by acclaimed Canberra architect Dr Enrico Taglietti in 1981, adding the building’s iconic futuristic windows, which Taglietti described as being “in the style of the year 2001”.

Now, after a considered and lengthy application process, development is underway to bring not one, but two restaurants to the iconic space.

Masterminded by Tracy Keeley and her two sons Matthew and Nick Keeley – the creative team behind the visually stunning Bookplate and Pollen – Lunetta and Lunetta Trattoria will open this summer, breathing new life into Red Hill.

Designed by leading Sydney architecture studio ACME, the Keeleys’ focus is squarely on the space’s modernist roots.

“Our vision is to transform 60 Red Hill Drive into a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike to experience and appreciate the Canberra spirit, location and hospitality,” explains Tracey.

“This is a unique opportunity to create something fresh in a location that’s filled with historical and cultural significance – offering modern dining in two ways at Lunetta on Level 1, and Lunetta Trattoria on the ground floor. It will also provide a nod to the history of this well-known Canberra icon through carefully considered and quality, textured design details.”

Photo: Paul Harris.

Upstairs, Lunetta (little moon in Italian) will offer ‘a modern dining experience within an iconic mid-century building’ while Lunetta Trattoria will be ‘flexible and casual dining’, perfect for visitors, families and tourists seeking to soak up the views.

“Lunetta heralds a new age for a Canberra icon,” says Tracey. “Our hope is that Lunetta speaks to how Canberra will be perceived going forward while at the same time capturing the essence of Canberra’s heyday as a modernist centre.”

“Lunetta will reflect the timeless wonder of that era while providing visitors with a memorable dining experience for all the right reasons… good wholesome food, warm ambiance, genuine hospitality, connection, location, attention to detail, and a sense of being in at ease in a special place.”

With an Instagram already hinting at the deliciously mid-century modern flavour of Lunetta courtesy of a series of AI creations commissioned from fine art photographer Tom Blachford, watch this space for more.

 

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Photography: Paul Harris