A modern Italian restaurant hidden above a laneway, where simplicity meets precision.

The Hardware Club: Elevated Italian with Heart

Perched above the bustle of Hardware Lane, The Hardware Club is the definition of hidden gem dining. What feels like a casual escape from the CBD quickly reveals itself as something special — a restaurant that values craft over hype. Run by chef Andrea Bassi and front-of-house lead Matteo Tine, it captures that distinctly Italian rhythm: the balance of professionalism and ease, the confidence to let good produce speak for itself.

The fit-out is sleek but understated. Dark timber, linen napkins, and soft light make the space feel quietly luxurious without a hint of pretence.

The Food: Refined Italian, Rooted in Tradition

The menu reads simply but delivers depth in every bite. House-made pastas — from delicate tortellini filled with duck to silky tagliolini with crab and chilli — are executed with finesse. Mains might include wood-fired fish with lemon and capers, or bistecca with perfect crust and olive oil that tastes like sunshine. The produce is local but treated with old-world respect, and every plate feels honest, never overworked.

The wine list is sharp, too — Italian-heavy with clever local inclusions — and the staff guide you through it like seasoned hosts, never salespeople.

The Vibe: Quiet Confidence, Italian Soul

The Hardware Club feels like an insider’s restaurant — intimate, calm, and built around genuine hospitality. It attracts people who appreciate detail, conversation and food that doesn’t need explanation. Service is warm yet professional, the music subtle, the experience seamless. Whether you’re in for lunch or a lingering dinner, it’s the kind of place that restores your faith in simplicity done perfectly.

In a city full of Italian options, The Hardware Club stands out by remembering what truly matters — sincerity, skill and soul on a plate.