The highly celebrated restaurateurs behind one of the city’s favourite dining establishments have announced they will be launching a new restaurant later this year. Social Eating House and Bar’s owner and executive chef, Matthew Jefferson, together with his wife Dayna, are bringing sophisticated coastal Italian cuisine to the Gold Coast with the launch of Orzo.

Expected to open its doors in late November, Orzo’s relaxed yet elegant air will be reflected in a modern Italian menu that focuses on sustainable and local produce, offering lunch, evening dining and everything in between. Classic recipes heroed by housemade pasta will salute southern Italy, with authentic dishes such as Cacio e Pepe – pasta, parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper – gracing the menu. Diners can also expect house-cured meats, fresh seafood, beautiful cheeses, traditional Italian wines, cocktails and the classic spritz.

Orzo’s interior design aims to evoke a feeling of relaxed comfort, transporting diners to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Boasting indoor and outdoor alfresco dining experiences, the establishment will feature bright and airy spaces, along with an abundance of warm tones and textured finishes, synonymous with offering a cosy coastal hug. On announcing their latest venture, Matthew and Dayna said they’ve experienced an influx of customers yearning to taste quality Italian cuisine at Social Eating House.

“Italian food is often misinterpreted on the Gold Coast. We saw an opportunity in the market and have been manifesting the concept for some time,” they said.

The name Orzo, which translates to ‘barley’ in Italian, stood out to the couple as the word features two ohs, and ‘Double Zero’ is a specifically milled flour that is used for pasta making. On choosing the perfect location for Orzo, the couple said they were originally going to head south, but none of the sites they inspected were the right fit. Featuring a thriving restaurant and retail scene, Oracle Boulevard is a food lovers paradise, and Broadbeach’s epicentre of style and sophistication.

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