“We’ve really tried to make it as unique and original as possible,” Hotel Paradiso co-owner Chris Burgess says of the new 330-person Frankston venue. “We’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from Miami in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s also got quite a Mediterranean feel about it, lots of indoor-outdoor flow and pastel colours.”

Those inspirations are immediately evident. The exterior is a minimalist white, with plenty of outdoor seating and yellow beach umbrellas. Inside, there are pink pastel walls, a long bar lined with teal-coloured subway tiles, rattan furniture, large pot plants, hanging ferns and trailing vines.

The number of disco balls suspended from the ceiling is indicative of the team’s plan for how they hope people will interact with the space. “We don’t want it to just be a place where you come and have dinner or lunch,” says co-owner Reece Turfus. “We want you to come in here on a Saturday, enjoy a couple of cocktails, get a couple of share plates, and then can carry it on into the evening … without having to leave.”

We think you might like Access. For $12 a month, join our membership program to stay in the know.

SIGN UP

Pizzas take centrestage on co-owner and head chef Jasper Hood’s menu. Toppings range from a classic margherita and salami to more unexpected options such as mortadella with fior di latte, pistachio, mortadella cheese and olive and anchovy tapenade. There’s also a lasagna with beef ragu and bechamel, as well as share plates of prosciutto or oven-baked burrata.

To drink, you’ll find local and international wines, classic cocktails and spins on the hits such as a smoky red gum Mezcal and a Gimlet with orange blossom, limoncello and lime.

While the daytime service has a more laid-back feel, after sunset the venue transforms into a lively late-night spot. “Every day we’re open, there’ll be DJs on,” says Turfus. “We’ve got two areas for DJs.” They’ll play disco-house music downstairs during the day. “And then for late nights, when we want to throw a bit more of a party vibe, there’s a dance floor with a proper DJ set-up that looks down over the venue.”

Hotel Paradiso
10 Kookaburra Street, Frankston
No phone

Hours:
Thur 4pm – Late
Fri to Sun Midday – Late

hotelparadiso.com.au