There are two distinct eras of Merivale. The Merivale before Totti’s opened, and the Merivale after Totti’s opened.
Ever since Justin Hemmes’ hospo empire tapped Chef Mike Eggert to open the Italian restaurant in 2018, positioned at the back of The Royal Bondi the Totti’s brand has been going from strength to strength. First, there was a Sydney CBD opening which is still as wildly popular as ever and more recently Totti’s has become the first Merivale venue to make it to Victoria, with a permanent venue inside The Lorne Hotel.
Now the hospitality group is planning a casual spin-off from Totti’s, springboarding off the popularity of the kitchen’s emblematic woodfired bread with a by-the-slice pizza joint and sandwich shop named Oti’.
The new concept will take over the former space of Lorraine’s Patisserie, placing it nice and close to Bar Totti’s on George Street. The new ivy precinct edition will be focusing on Roman-style pizza and thin, chewy schiacciata sandwiches topped and stuffed with various fresh Italian toppings. Think olives, prosciutto, salami, mortadella, cheeses and vegetables.
Oti’ has reportedly been in the works for a few years, shifting around as a passion project for Hemmes and Eggert with inspiration from the casual atmosphere of Jimmy’s Falafel.
Daily specials will be announced via social media once Oti’ opens on Wednesday, May 10. What’s more, the Totti’s spin-off will be open until 12 AM on Thursday through Saturday so any late-night Roman pizza cravings should be directed straight to the ivy precinct.
Sandwiches start at $15, with roman style pizza by the slice starting from $12.
