Tetto Di Carolina
If the purpose of a local bar is to reflect its neighbourhood, then Tetto di Carolina obviously got the memo. The rooftop bar component of the Carolina complex on Toorak Road that includes Bar Carolina and Cantina Carolina is smooth, suave, expensively dressed and comfortably luxurious. Tetto’s conservative in its choices, but in a way that’s dependable, not old fashioned.
It’s a good-looking, clean-lined space, understandable given that co-owner Joe Mammone (Il Bacaro, Marameo) has Chris Connell as his go-to architect. The room mostly sticks with upholstery and neutral tones, aside from some flourishes like the ochre-coloured feature wall near the walnut bar, which is overhung by an impressive bespoke light fitting that adds a touch of well-mannered steampunk to proceedings. Then there’s the domed canvas roof, fully retractable in balmy weather, which is going to make Tetto a lot of friends when summer kicks in.
The booze list is not out to impress anybody with its edginess. The four pages of wine are a roll call of familiar names – Krug, Bollinger, Pieropan, Leeuwin Estate, Paringa Estate, Moss Wood – at prices you’d expect to pay in this neck of the woods. There’s also a page of cocktails, which should be your first port of call.
The drinks riff on classics and lean towards the infused and the herbal. The Wall Street, for example, brings together surprisingly delicious sandalwood-infused bourbon with Martini Rubero and maple syrup. Served on the rocks, it’s a drink that te