Neil & Samantha Perry launch Gran Torino – elevated Italian dining experience in Double Bay
August 15th, 2025
Gran Torino, the latest restaurant from Neil and Samantha Perry in Sydney’s Double Bay enclave opened its doors on August 9th.
Located within the space previously occupied by the Asian cuisine restaurant Song Bird, the new restaurant spans two levels in Double Bay’s iconic Gaden House – Gran Torino offers a classic Italian restaurant experience with a modern Australian influence. The menu, led by Neil Perry alongside Executive Chef Richard Purdue and Head Chef Ervin Mumajesi, focuses on seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients from the country’s best producers.
Perry stated – “The basis of all Italian cooking is to work with the seasons, so Gran Torino’s menu will reflect what’s available at the market each day. Antipasti and pasta to begin, followed by seafood and meat for mains. To be cooking these dishes in this beautiful dining room just feels right.”
(L: Agnolotti del plin: R: Mishima bresaola)
Some of the menu highlights include finely sliced Mishima bresaola with Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil; Fritto misto di mare with king prawns, squid, scallops and coral trout; Agnolotti del plin filled with veal and guinea fowl, and sage butter; Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a 1kg dry aged T-bone, served with a selection of salsa, horseradish and mustards; and classic Tiramisu and Bomboloni filled with vanilla cream and raspberry conserva. Neil’s favourite producers are featured across the menu including Brent’s Wollemi ducks, single line-caught fish from Ben Collison and Anthony Heselwood, Bruce Collis’ southern calamari, Spencer Gulf king prawns, Blackmore’s Mishima beef, and dry-aged cuts from CopperTree Farms.
The wine list highlights Australian and Italian producers, alongside selected wines from Europe, South Africa and the Americas. Champagne options include both established houses and emerging grower- producers.
Gran Torino’s interior has been reimagined by long-time collaborators Collette Dinnigan and photographer Earl Carter. More than 50 photographs, many black-and-white images from the 1950s and 60s line the walls.
In early September, Neil and Samantha will also open Bar Torino, located in the former Bobbie’s site. Bar Torino will offer a more casual Italian menu of spuntini, antipasti and larger plates, operating from 12pm until late, Tuesday to Sunday.
“We want Bar Torino to become Gran Torino’s neighbourhood go-to like Next Door is to Margaret, whether it’s a quick martini and snack after work, a midweek pasta, a relaxed dinner on the weekend, or all of the above!” says Neil.
Gran Torino seats 130 guests inside, with an additional 30 alfresco seats overlooking Bay Street.
Gran Torino
24 Bay Street, Double Bay
Open for lunch: Wednesday–Sunday
Open for dinner: Tuesday–Sunday
First service: Saturday, 9 August
(images credit Margaret Family)
