Studio Amaro is a sexy, sultry Italian lunch venue in Melbourne.
Studio Amaro on Chapel Street, Windsor, is the buzziest new addition to Melbourne’s contemporary Italian restaurant scene—a relaxed modern spot where 70s-retro glam and Italo-disco energy collide with some of the city’s most creative food and cocktails.
This multi-level venue is as much about atmosphere and progressive dining as it is about the meticulous culinary craft on each plate, making it a destination that truly captures the pulse of Melbourne’s vibrant dining culture.
I went for Friday lunch with a friend, and we did not want it to end. Sensational wines by the glass including a sophisticated Soave, outstanding dishes which just kept coming and a warm, retro relaxed vibe flooded with natural light plus first class service made this a relaxed, but super fun place to spend a few hours indulging our senses.
Studio Amaro is far more than another Italian eatery; it is a bold reimagining of what a Melbourne restaurant/bar can be.
Every detail, from the art-driven interiors and playful equine motif to the ever-evolving food and cocktail menu, is designed to encourage connection, joy, and a sense of place that’s uniquely Windsor.
Whether for a sunlit lunch, a rowdy group dinner, or cocktails into the early morning, Studio Amaro stands out as a must-visit. And Amaro references an Italian digestive drunk at room temperature in shot glasses; my only regret was that I didn’t have one, meaning I am destined to return.
Retro Glamour Meets Art-Driven Cool
From the outside, Studio Amaro’s geometric concrete facade telegraphs boldness and confidence. Step inside and you’re transported: interior designer Wendy Bergman infuses chic nostalgia with mustard corduroy banquettes, textured tiles, and rich timber panelling, all softly illuminated by moody, golden lighting.
The 70s motif continues in playful touches—brass accents, a pulsing playlist curated by Italo-disco DJs, and a recurring artistic motif: horses.
The black horse sculpture atop the bar stands as a vivid emblem, and, cleverly, a mesmerising video of a galloping horse leads guests on screen into the downstairs bar, adding a sense of movement and whimsy to the sophisticated vibe.
By day, Studio Amaro’s sunlit upper level is ideal for a leisurely lunch. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in glowing daylight, transforming Chapel Street’s hustle into a golden-lensed tableau for business meetings, relaxed lunches, or a breezy solo pasta with a glass of natural wine.
Night brings a dramatic shift: the space glows with intimacy, buzzing with friends gathering for cocktails, dates lost in conversation, and food-loving locals lingering until late.
Lunches That Turn Into Long Afternoons
Studio Amaro stands apart as a rare “any-occasion” spot, but for me it shines at lunch. The room’s vibrant energy is balanced by a menu designed for sharing and socialising—a hallmark of Italian and even Melbourne hospitality, interpreted with flair and fun.
Imagine a sun-lit table set with whipped ricotta and lemon oil, feathery confit mushrooms, and slices of house-fermented sourdough focaccia (nearly 72 hours in the making), all perfectly paired with a spritz or light lunchtime cocktail or wine. The generosity of the antipasti and the relaxed pace encourage longer meals and lively conversation.
Standout lunch plates include the signature Rigatoni Arrabbiata—giant tubes in a fiery tomato sugo, finished with creamy stracciatella and flecked with salty dehydrated olive—or mafaldine pasta with local prawns and citrus bisque, balancing decadence with bright notes. The half chicken is huge and flavour filled, and even the simple rocket and parmesan salad is of very high quality.
Seasonal panini, available for pickup or dine-in, draw a lunchtime crowd from nearby offices and locals who know this is Italian fare done with integrity: hearty, satisfying, and always with a little twist.
Downstairs: Where Windsor Really Lets Loose
Descend into Studio Amaro’s basement and you find a whole new rhythm. Flickering neon, plush booths, and DJs spinning vinyl set a high-octane tone, and walk-ins are encouraged.
The bar pours from over 40 different bottles of amaro—the bittersweet Italian digestif—with a signature cocktail menu full of clever tweaks on classics. The Nero Spritz, with bracing bitterness and botanical complexity, is a must-try.
Food downstairs is no afterthought. The bar snacks alone—crisp fried artichokes, wood-roasted caponata, pork and fennel sausage with snappy casing, and whipped ricotta again—are worth the visit.
Group-friendly starters and larger plates ensure that every social gathering is amply fed, whether you’re here for pre-dinner drinks or an all-night celebration.
Horses and Motifs: The Unmistakable Studio Amaro Identity
Studio Amaro’s most distinctive visual motif—the horse—serves as a modern totem throughout the venue.
The striking black horse sculpture on the bar is not just décor; it’s a conversation starter, a symbol of both movement and elegance.
The video of a horse running, guiding guests into the basement, further ties together the venue’s dual focus on kinetic energy and refined cool, blurring the lines between art, architecture, and experience.
Flavour, Flair, and Service
Food at Studio Amaro is thoughtful rather than fussy, built on excellent produce and a palpable sense of fun. House-made pastas are the menu’s star: generous, perfectly al dente, and confidently sauced.
Beyond the Rigatoni Arrabbiata and mafaldine with prawns, there’s milk-braised pork campanelle, smoky wood-roasted peppers, and a cabbage salad brightened with mint and lemon.
Desserts like the carrot cake show the kitchen’s playful yet precise touch. Wine comes by the glass, bottle, or carafe (the latter from Mildura’s innovative MDI winery), with Italian and Australian expressions well represented.
Service is fast, attentive, and cheery—never intrusive, always welcoming, and genuinely enthusiastic about guiding guests through the food and drinks.
The verdict: confident, creative, and brimming with soul—one for locals, visitors, and anyone seeking inspiration on Chapel Street, Windsor.
