KDPO and Johnny’s Green Room are old friends. We launched the iconic Carlton rooftop venue on the corner of Lygon and Faraday Streets in 2018, and last December we celebrated its stunning Tuscan-inspired makeover.
For owners Jamie Valmorbida and Luca Sbardella, the renovation marks a new chapter for the venue. It still boasts those dazzling city views but a clever design by award-winning Dion Hall (Music Room, BKK, Supernormal, Pidapipo Laboratorio) has transformed it with the help of a semi-retractable roof that will extend its legendary summertime vibe throughout the year. There’s also a revamped bar and kitchen, featuring earthy materials like Douglas fir timber, terracotta tiles and natural zinc, while new furniture including deck chairs and vintage Italian lighting bring all the beach club feels.
The new design goes hand in hand with an all-star food and drink lineup. Acclaimed chef and author Karen Martini is leading the kitchen as Culinary Director, with a focus on beautifully charry-crusted pizza and a punchy but relaxed menu of Italian-style sharing dishes like crumbed zucchini fritters with whipped cod roe and Ortiz anchovies.
Melbourne bar maestro Matt Bax is behind the revamped drinks program, which is all about great Italian cocktails like an Amalfi-inspired Limoncello Margarita made with house-made mescal-based limoncello, and a wine list celebrating delicious, approachable, food-friendly Italian drops.
And the music, you ask? Expanding the venue’s reputation as one of Melbourne’s best destinations for music lovers across the calendar year, Johnny’s Green Room will continue its collaboration with online radio station Hope St Radio. Expect a music program featuring some of Melbourne’s most sought-after DJs and musical acts playing at the venue.
T0 launch the all new Johnny’s Green Room what better way than with its now iconic “Welcome to Summer Party” which saw nearly 300 people party into the night in late December.
It was fun getting word out for Johnny’s mark two. KDPO secured media coverage in publications including The Age Good Food, Broadsheet, Time Out, Urban List, Concrete Playground, What’s On Melbourne, Gourmet Traveller, Hospitality Magazine and Sitchu.
Photography by Arianna Leggiero
