Itō x Santini: A Menu Without Borders
For one night only, Santini Bar & Grill becomes something unexpected – part Italian trattoria, part Tokyo izakaya, and entirely delicious.
In this special collaboration for Good Food Events, Culinary Creative Lead Nic Wood and Executive Chef Jake Lynch of Santini join forces with hatted Sydney chef Erik Ortolani of Itō, whose subtle and modern take on Japanese cuisine has won him a loyal following. The menu is a meeting point – not a mash-up – where comfort and complexity live side by side. Handmade pasta takes on the deep umami of dashi-rich sauces. Charred vegetables meet miso, bottarga or shiso. A snack might feel like Nonna made it… until a burst of yuzu says otherwise.
Why do Italian and Japanese food play so well together? It comes down to shared values: seasonal produce, technique-led cooking, and a deep reverence for simplicity done well. Both cuisines let ingredients lead – but never without flair.
It’s a menu that honours craft and culture without ever losing its sense of play. Each course will be paired with Kirin’s finest pours, the impeccably crisp, malt-driven Kirin Ichiban and a line-up of bespoke Kirin Hyoketsu cocktails, built on Hyoketsu’s clean shōchū base and bright citrus lift. Together they weave a seamless thread of precision, freshness, and Japanese artistry through the entire evening.
This is a one-night-only event. A rare chance to see three sharp culinary minds at work – blending tradition, curiosity and just the right amount of rule-breaking.
Tickets are strictly limited. Book now to secure your seat at the table.
Ticket Price: $159pp
Ticket inclusions: Cocktail and snacks on arrival, followed by a three-course meal with paired beverages
