Celebrity chef Robin Gill is back, this time with Bar Brasso, a café-deli by day and an aperitivo bar by night, opening on 27 September beside his restaurant Darby's in Embassy Gardens. Inspired by the bar cultures of San Sebastián and Venice, the new spot promises coffee and pastries in the morning, Italian deli lunches at noon, and low-lit, Campari-filled aperitivo evenings.
The menu is small but refined, including dishes like beef shin lasagne, rosemary-and-garlic roast chicken, gnudi for lunch, and small plates like sage-and-anchovy fritters, devilled egg crostini, and the Bourdain toastie in the evening. Drinks pay homage to aperitivo culture, featuring Negronis, spritzes, and a txakoli tap that pours Basque wine in the traditional high-pour style. Ingredients are sourced from small Italian producers via Cibo, from mountain-aged cheeses to Franceschini mortadella.
The space is stylish, with sleek marble counters, warm wood panelling, tiled floors, and staff dressed by Aperitivo Digestivo, but it's the kind of place that looks just as good on Instagram as it does in real life.
Bar Brasso opens daily 8am–5pm for coffee and lunch, and 5–10pm (Tue–Sat) for aperitivo.