Nestled against Sydney's famed harbour in historic Wooloomooloo sits MOLO at Manta. The Italian bar is a younger sibling to neighbouring fine diner Manta, and was originally introduced as a pop-up that has proven so popular it's become a permanent fixture.

A piazza-style aperitivo haven, the latest wharf resident is heavily inspired by the simple flavours and flourishes of coastal Italy. Co – Owner Riccardo Bernabei has famously embraced the philosophy “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” which is evident in everything from the venue's menu to its design. The latter comes courtesy of Bernabei's sister Rina and her team at bernabeifreeman designs. The resulting aesthetic is an ode to 1960s Italy in its interiors, a combination of bold graphic decoration merged with contemporary styling.

The menu is just as vibrant and Mediterranean, heavily slanted towards premium seasonal produce. Bernabei has closely collaborated with Manta's Executive and Head Chefs Daniel Hughes and Steve Hetherington on the food offering, forming a collection of simple bar sophisticated Italian favourites which will change with the seasons.

And then there's the tipple; MOLO wine list is squarely focused on Italian wine, offering more than 200 vintages which have been handpicked by Co-Owner  Riccardo from noted regions across the Mediterranean nation. Think Piemonte, Toscana, Sicilia, Campania, Puglia and Sardinia. Determined to provide a genuine Italian experience, Riccardo has gone to extraordinary lengths to source the best produce direct from Italy, with ample small producers involved.

But MOLO isn't just designed with the night owls in mind. Cementing its community interest, the bar will become home to a morning produce market on the first Saturday of every month. There ample gourmet produce will be available to purchase, from creamy Campagna burrata, to imported Iranian caviar, truffles, and Sicilian charcuterie for aperitivo. Guests will be able to peruse the offerings with a MOLO Bloody Mary or espresso in hand.

MOLO at Manta can be experienced Wednesday through Sunday, from 4.00pm Wednesday and Thursday, 3.00pm Friday, and 12.00pm on weekends.

MOLO at Manta
Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

molobar.com.au