Italian restaurant Vin-Cenzo’s has opened in Darlinghurst, marking a new chapter for the former Bar Vincent site under the direction of The Goodies Hospitality - the team behind influential venues Bar Copains, Bessie’s and Alma’s.
Led by friends and co-owners Morgan McGlone and Sali and Nathan Sasi, Vin-Cenzo’s offers a produce-driven Italian menu designed for sharing.
Positioned as a sequel to Bar Vincent, the venue blends the nostalgia of the site’s past with The Goodies Hospitality’s signature warmth, energy and hospitality. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, with a supper club for late-night dining on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, open until 2 am.
Nathan says: "We’re excited to introduce a new era for this influential site on Liverpool Street. Vin-Cenzo’s has been a labour of love and it's been fun reimagining the space as something a little more playful and late-night leaning, while still honouring its roots.
"The menu leans into classic Italian flavours, but with a few unexpected twists inspired by our recent travels in North America eating in some of the more influential restaurants that hero contemporary Italian menus.
"We want people to come here for dinner and stay until late, share a bottle of wine and come back again next week. That’s what Vin-Cenzo’s is all about.”
The kitchen is led by Nathan, whose approach focuses on simplicity, seasonality and a deep respect for produce, drawing on time spent in some of Australia’s most respected kitchens including Nomad, Mercado and Adelaide’s Leigh St Wine Room.
The menu is Italian at its core, while drawing subtle inspiration from other European regions, including France and Spain. Dishes on the opening menu include: agnolotti con pollo e mortadella (roasted chicken and mortadella agnolotti in brodo); salsiccia di maiale (housemade pork belly sausage with lentils and quince mustard); and costata di vitello e marsala (veal T-bone with shimeji mushroom and marsala).
For dessert, there’s crostata al limone (burnt lemon tart with vanilla cream), cannolo Siciliano (pig fat cannolo with ricotta and Sicilian almonds), and biscotti misti Italini - a plate of Italian biscuits including brutti ma buoni (hazelnut meringue), tricolore (Italian flag coloured), baci di dama (hazelnut with a chocolate filling) and occhi di bue (shortbread with jam), inspired by recipes from Nathan’s Sicilian godmother and neighbour, served in eclectic biscuit tins sourced from around the world.
The beverage program, curated by the group’s Sommelier Ishan Kaplish (formerly Mimi’s, Tetsuya’s), leans heavy on Italian, French and Australian wine. The list includes bottles from Morgan’s own cellar, including rare vintages from L'Anglore and Jean Foillard.
The cocktail list is tight, classic and Italian-leaning, with signature cocktails including Negronis and Sgroppinos crafted with housemade sorbet, vodka and Prosecco.
Architecture and design firm Studio Gram has redesigned the space to reflect a shift in energy, drawing inspiration from the indulgence of New York’s Italian dining scene. The design features upholstered banquettes, tiled floors and warm wall sconces highlighting hand-painted wall art.
A warm palette of yellows and blues is contrasted by burgundy leather upholstery, walnut timber and subtle textures that create a lived-in yet elegant dining room. White tablecloths are overlaid with paper, allowing staff to hand-write updates to meal timings and notes - adding a personal touch to the service.
Seating has increased from 36 to 68 thanks to the new fit-out and the addition of a new alfresco dining area, which is open to walk-ins. The Goodies Hospitality took over the site in April 2025 when the opportunity arose to purchase one of their favourite local restaurants.
Vin-Cenzo’s continues the long-standing Italian identity of the site, which was home to Tre Scalini in the 1980s and Bar Vincent from 2019. Vin-Cenzo’s will open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, with extended hours until 2 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Bookings are available now via Seven Rooms.
