Richmond's 'cool' new Italian, Ganzo, splices DNA from Ian Curley and La Svolta

Chef Ian Curley (French Saloon and Kirk's) has teamed up with La Svolta's Valerio Calabro to open Ganzo, a casual Italian restaurant, on Bridge Road in Richmond.

Tuscan for "cool", Ganzo replaces speciality butcher Mr Macellaio's Meat Shop. Curley and Calabro (who also owns FIGO) have turned the once dark and grungy space into a bright, light-filled dining room with an open kitchen and American oak bar, what Curley calls "Richmond chic". It will double as a production kitchen. Calabro will use it to prep for La Svolta and FIGO, and Curley will use it for events.

The carte is simple. "Not Michelin-starred cooking, but good," says Curley. Neapolitan-style pizza is the focus, from classic margheritas to a bianco monster topped with scamorza (smoked cheese), guanciale, roasted potato, caramelised onions and rosemary. Vegan cheese is available to sub in.

There are four pastas, sides and a large antipasti section, with dishes such as fried seasoned chickpeas, a goat's cheese and beetroot "lasagne", and calamari fritti for snacking on while getting stuck into the Italian wine list.

Ganzo is open Tue-Sat 5pm-10.30pm at 320 Bridge Road, Richmond, ganzo.com.au