EMILIO BEGALI PH

Owners of Secolo Balmain Anthony, Tanja, and Robert Arienzale have announced the Italian eatery will close its doors after a six-month pop-up at The Exchange Hotel.

The news of the closure was also joined by the announcement of two new venues in the Sydney CBD: Tessuto and La Panineria.

Secolo Head Chef Mattia Senesi is curating the menu at both venues, and once up-and-running will lead the kitchen team at La Panineria.

Tessuto will be a retro Italian offering located in a heritage-listed building on York Street that will open from early morning through to the afternoon.

Guests can expect house made pastries, pastas, and focaccia and pizza by the slice.

La Panineria will be a takeaway Italian schiacciata (panini) bar on Curtin Place which will be a collaboration between the Arienzale family and The Stazi Group.

The menu is slated to feature fresh sandwiches, pizza by the slice, and coffee.

“Things have changed a lot since we made the difficult decision to close our original city venue in the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns and looming construction plans,” says Tanja.

“We have such fond memories of our time in town and we can’t wait to welcome back our old customers and meet some new faces.”

Secolo Balmain’s last day of operation will be Saturday 18 May, with Tessuto and La Panineria slated to open in the second half of the year.