Sydney restaurateur Bill Drakopoulos, a familiar name in the city’s dining scene, is expanding his partnership with renowned Italian chef Alessandro Pavoni, this time heading to the vibrant inner west of Sydney, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Together with Anna Pavoni, they’ve purchased the iconic Marie-Louise Salon building on Enmore Road, currently home to beloved Spanish restaurant Bar Louise.
While Bar Louise will close by mid-June, following the owners’ decision to focus on other ventures like Porteno and Humble Bakery, the site’s future is in trusted hands.
Drakopoulos, who leads Sydney Restaurant Group (including Sails Lavender Bay and Ripples Little Manly), is no stranger to transforming historic spaces into celebrated dining destinations.
The Marie-Louise Salon building, with its distinctive pink and purple facade, has stood as a local landmark since 1949.
“It’s heritage listed,” Pavoni confirmed, assuring locals that the cherished exterior will remain untouched. Anna describes its late art deco curves and colourful facade as “post-war optimism.”
The trio plans to launch Vineria Luisa in late July, a nod to the building’s history. It will offer an Italian twist on Enmore’s dining scene, featuring a broad wine list, 20–25 gins (mostly from Italy and Australia), and a menu of handmade pastas, pizza fritta, and small plates. “Ginoterias have become really big in the past five or 10 years,” Pavoni said.
Drakopoulos and Pavoni’s latest venture marks their second foray into the inner west, following their success at Postino Osteria in Summer Hill. As Pavoni puts it, “We really like the people here. They’re friendly, responsive and adventurous.”
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
