Chris Lucas' Grill Americano to open in Sydney 19 November
Award-winning restaurateur Chris Lucas will open the doors to the highly-anticipated Sydney iteration of his beloved Venetian-inspired steakhouse, Grill Americano, on Wednesday 19 November. Marking Lucas’ second venue in the harbour city, the restaurant has made its home in the heritage-listed Qantas House building, now known as No. 1 Chifley Square.
An homage to classic Italian hospitality and fine Australian produce, Grill Americano Sydney’s culinary offering is the product of close collaboration between Chris Lucas, Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini (Ristorante Reale, Le Calandre, Mugaritz) and Lucas Restaurants Head of Culinary Damian Snell.
Ursini, who has helmed the Grill Americano kitchen since mid-2024 and brings a wealth of experience from his time in Michelin-starred restaurants, has worked with Lucas and Snell to tailor a menu that captures the best of the iconic Grill Americano experience, while also debuting new offerings that speak to Sydney’s distinct culinary identity.
Dishes developed exclusively for this menu will include Prawn Panzerotto with Oscietra Caviar; Tuna ‘Nduja and Anchovy Crostini; handmade Bufala Ricotta Ravioli; and a Sicilian-Style Seafood Risotto spiked with Saffron and Chilli. Meanwhile, a dedicated raw seafood bar will showcase a vast array of oysters, crustacea, and hero dishes including a daily-changing Crudo di Pesce selection.
“We want to honour the signature offering that has resonated so beautifully with our guests in Melbourne, but also to plate up something that captures Sydney’s own energy and appetite for dining”, says Lucas.
Diners can also look forward to many of the cult-favourite dishes that have made their mark since the original restaurant opened on Flinders Lane in 2022 — including Scampi alla Veneziana on Saffron Pilaf, and the iconic Tiramisù Americano, theatrically served tableside.
Chef Simone Giorgianni, who has led Grill Americano’s lauded pasta program since day one, will introduce Sydney to his exceptional talents with silky signature pasta varieties made fresh daily onsite — from favourites like ravioli and pappardelle, to a Lobster Tortellini finished in Sauce Américaine.
Grill Americano’s famed bistecca offering continues its reign in Sydney, with 15 varieties spanning premium steak cuts and signature specialty beef dishes. Highlights include the Bistecca Pepe e Verde Angus Chateaubriand with Cognac and Green Peppercorn, and a 700g New York Cut Striploin of Grappa-Infused Dry-Aged Chauvel Beef.
Grill Americano Sydney will be led by Restaurant Manager Ruaridh Macdonald, with an extensive wine program curated by Master Sommelier Paolo Saccone, and a classic-leaning cocktail selection set to include an homage to the famous Bellini of Harry’s Bar — Lucas’ favourite spot to dine and drink in Venice.
Interiors designed by Chris and his wife Sarah Lucas, alongside long-term collaborator Samantha Eades, honour the existing soaring ceilings and expansive windows of the heritage-listed building. There is no mistaking the Grill Americano DNA; with signature blue velvet banquettes, a 30-metre-long marble bar, and a Josper grill and wood-fired oven taking centre stage within the open kitchen.
Reservations for Grill Americano Sydney will be available from mid-October.
Grill Americano Sydney opens on Wednesday 19 November at No. 1 Chifley Square, Sydney.
Grill Americano, 2nd October 2025
