The team behind Bar Liberty will breathe new life into Carlton institution The Beaufort (née Clare Castle Hotel), when they open ‘Capitano’ this August. Reviving the room into a warm and approachable space, Capitano will serve a menu of their favourite Italian dishes, mixed with influences from USA and Australia.
Despite a casual style and approachable atmosphere, Capitano boasts a serious pedigree. Owners Michael Bascetta, Banjo Harris Plane, Manu Potoi and Casey Wall lay claim to some of Melbourne’s most loved venues, including the award-winning Bar Liberty, Rockwell and Sons and Above Board.
The menu is inspired by the Italian food that Chef Casey Wall enjoyed on days off, whilst working his way from New York to Melbourne. He has developed Capitano’s menu to present his take on Italian cuisine, utilising Australian ingredients. A core emphasis of the menu will be given to a rotating selection of pizzas, supported by an ever-changing list of pasta. A sharing style lasagne and a rotating selection of dry-aged steaks will also feature, as well as a fun selection of desserts including tiramisu. Guests are welcome to pull up a stool for a drink and a bite at the bar or reserve a table and make their way through the menu. Local customers will have the added opportunity to enjoy Capitano pizza at home, with a ‘take out’ service available.
The four owners have collected some impressive credentials between them. Chef Casey Wall spent years working in fine dining kitchens in New York and Melbourne, before opening his first restaurant Rockwell and Sons in Collingwood (2012) with business partner and operations expert Manu Potoi. Banjo Harris Plane and Michael Bascetta gained valuable fine dining experience in Melbourne, Sydney and Europe before opening Bar Liberty with Manu & Casey in 2016.
Extending beyond the four owners, the pedigree continues. The Capitano kitchen will be manned by Head Chef Blake Giblet, with experience in the kitchens of beloved Melbourne restaurants Movida and Cumulus Inc., as well as time in London at Soho favourite, 10 Greek Street. Front of house will be managed by the once music producer Sam Rogers, who spent time as a DJ in Berlin before coming back to work front of house in Melbourne. No surprises that Sam will also take control of Capitano’s music, which will bring a 70’s/80’s new wave Italo-disco vibe to the space.
The Capitano bar is sure to become a destination in its own right, presenting a unique take on classic Italian cocktails and an impressive selection of Amari. Sommelier and co-owner Banjo Harris Plane will curate a wine list full of fun, juicy Italian varietals sourced locally and internationally, with a few hard-to-find drops like Barolo and Brunello.
With a serendipitous reveal of beautiful terrazzo tile flooring, the pub has been transformed into a fresh and inviting restaurant. There is a gentle nod to old-world Italy in its muted green and red colour scheme and to its history, with deco light fittings. A hardwood bar runs down the centre of the room, dividing it into two distinct spaces, where one can perch and enjoy a drink and a snack, or settle into the dining room.
Capitano will be open 7 days from 5pm until late on weekdays and from 12pm until late on Saturdays and Sundays, carrying on the local legacy and embedding itself firmly into Carlton’s culinary and cultural landscape.
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