After just over a year of trading, Michael and Zara Madrusan are closing Connie’s Italian Diner – the red-vinyl-covered, nostalgic pizzeria above the couple’s rowdy cocktail bar Heartbreaker. The restaurant will serve its final slices on May 27.
But Melburnians who love Connie’s needn’t worry too much. Heartbreaker will continue to serve Connie’s grandma slices and the Madrusans, who also own The Everleigh and Bar Margaux, are already planning to relaunch the diner in a more suitable location.
“We feel Connie’s is best suited to a neighbourhood location, and we’re on the hunt for the perfect spot to reopen [it],” they wrote in a statement to Broadsheet.
Connie’s started life as a literal hole-in-the-wall pizza window inside the bar. After the move upstairs, it became known for its “grandma pies”, New York City’s answer to the Chicago’s deep-dish pizzas.
Connie’s Italian Diner
Upstairs, 234B Russell Street, Melbourne
(03)8413 2970
Hours
Tue to Thu 5pm–11pm
Sat & Sun 5pm–midnight
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