Tappo Restobar (780 Richards St) is our new favorite spot to hunker down for a tasty Italian-style bite, the space having recently undergone renovations and rejuvenations after playing home to Quattro’s Q4 for the past several years.
Still owned and operated by the Corsis of Quattro/Q4 fame, Tappo keeps it all in the family with a menu featuring longstanding favourites. Expect to indulge in their Spaghetti Quattro and nonno’s house-made lasagne, as well as be treated to modern twists on classic Italian eats such as fried mozzarella balls, truffled potato chips, Tappo meatballs and plenty more.
The room itself offers a variety of seating options depending on your preference. There is an ample lounge and bar area, featuring several flat screens showing the latest game, as well as a looming chalkboard listing the 40-bottle selection of wines readily available. High tops are neatly tucked off to the side for a slightly more intimate arrangement – or you can opt for table service (great for groups of all sizes).
Commanding the centre of attention is the rustic-yet-sleek in design open-air kitchen that features a large, woodstone Forno oven. You’ll want to watch as your pizette is prepped and popped inside (we recommend you try the fig, balsamic and gorgonzola, as we did).
If you’re feeling like something different, we recommend you order from their selection of artisan sandwiches (served with a house-made salad). Though we were nearly wooed by the classic comfort food (grilled cheese with mozzarella, boar bacon and tomato jam) we went for the curry chicken and avocado for something deliciously different.
With a location enviably close to major sporting events, shopping, galleries (and lest we forget the fact that Tappo is part of the L’Hermitage Hotel), you can’t get much more central than this. Free valet parking at the restaurant is perfect for anyone wanting to pop by for a pre-event bite (just don’t forget to make your way back to grab your car on the way home).
Check out more details about Tappo Restobar, located at 780 Richards Street, here.