There are two distinct eras of Merivale. The Merivale before Tottiโs opened, and the Merivale after Tottiโs opened.
Ever since Justin Hemmesโ hospo empire tapped Chef Mike Eggert to open the Italian restaurant in 2018, positioned at the back of The Royal Bondi the Tottiโs brand has been going from strength to strength. First, there was a Sydney CBD opening which is still as wildly popular as ever and more recently Tottiโs has become the first Merivale venue to make it to Victoria, with a permanent venue inside The Lorne Hotel.
Now the hospitality group is planning a casual spin-off from Tottiโs, springboarding off the popularity of the kitchenโs emblematic woodfired bread with a by-the-slice pizza joint and sandwich shop named Otiโ.
The new concept will take over the former space of Lorraineโs Patisserie, placing it nice and close to Bar Tottiโs on George Street. The new ivy precinct edition will be focusing on Roman-style pizza and thin, chewy schiacciata sandwiches topped and stuffed with various fresh Italian toppings. Think olives, prosciutto, salami, mortadella, cheeses and vegetables.
Otiโ has reportedly been in the works for a few years, shifting around as a passion project for Hemmes and Eggert with inspiration from the casual atmosphere of Jimmyโs Falafel.
Daily specials will be announced via social media once Otiโ opens on Wednesday, May 10. Whatโs more, the Tottiโs spin-off will be open until 12 AM on Thursday through Saturday so any late-night Roman pizza cravings should be directed straight to the ivy precinct.
Sandwiches start at $15, with roman style pizza by the slice starting from $12.
