King & Godfree’s intimate wine bar Agostino will officially launch ‘Late Night Records’ this winter, transforming its private bluestone cellar into a late night enoteca with vinyl focused DJs, wine by the glass and classic Italian fare every Thursday night through June, July, August and September.
Located in the heart of Lygon Street, the bluestone cellar – usually reserved exclusively for private functions – can be entered via a concealed staircase at the back of Agostino’s main dining room. Head down the stairs and you’ll find a moody intimate 50-seater space with candle lit tables and vintage wine bottles lining the shelves.
Featuring some of Melbourne’s finest vinyl focused DJs, internet radio sensation Hope Street Radio has curated a strong monthly line-up, where you can expect to see the likes of Sophie McAlister, Pjenne, Katie Pearson, Colette, and David Boyd Smiley. Each will have their own spin on the decks, playing around with disco, experimental, funk, soul and a multitude of other genres depending on where the night takes them.
Drinks will be the first port of call with cocktails and wine taking the lead. Martinis, negronis and spritzes will be front and centre, and in true Agostino fashion, vino will take an Italian lean with a variety of red, white, rose and skin contact on offer by both the glass and bottle.
In the kitchen, Agostino’s Executive Chef Matteo Toffano has curated a refined ‘Late Night Records’ dining menu featuring a short but sweet selection of some of Agostino’s best Italian fare and much-loved dishes, all designed to be shared.
Consisting primarily of bar snacks and antipasti, the menu features rock oysters served with mignonette, fried eggplant parmigiana polpette, burrata and peppers, schiacciata pizza bread, prosciutto with persimmon and gnocco fritto, calamari fritti and yellowfin tuna served with capers, chilli, and lemon.
For those looking for a bigger bite, a variety of Agostino’s house made pastas will also be on offer. You can expect to find vodka and tomato paccheri, spinach and ricotta tortelli, tagliatelle alla gricia, tagliolini nero with Moreton Bay bug and bottarga, and bigoli with duck ragu.
Combining good food, good music, and good wine for a great time, the intimate 50-seater basement bar will be as lively as the trattorias and night clubs you’ll find in Italy, transporting you for a night you won’t forget.
Late Night Records at Agostino will be hosted on various Thursday nights throughout June, July, August and September from 6.30pm onwards in the bluestone cellar. Walk-ins are always welcomed but for those wanting to plan ahead, bookings can be made online.
Late Night Records at Agostino
Where: 297 Lygon Street, Carlton
When: Various Thursdays throughout June, July, August and September from 6.30pm onwards
If records aren’t your thing, throughout winter Agostino’s bluestone cellar also plays host to a live jazz band. On the final Thursday of every month, enjoy a contemporary jazz trio alongside Agostino’s full a la carte menu.
