Matt Moran’s Canberra restaurant opens bookings for April launch
Matt Moran’s Canberra venture Compa and &Sando is now taking bookings.
Compa has taken over Coco Republic’s L’Americano and its adjoining espresso bar in Canberra Centre.
The restaurant will officially open on April 9. It is divided into two offerings: Comp, which means friend in Italian, is an Italian steakhouse, while &Sando is a dedicated sandwich bar.
“&Sando will be my first sandwich shop—it’s going to be a lot of fun!”, Moran, who is behind ARIA, Chiswick, North Bondi Fish, Barangaroo House and Opera Bar, said.
Moran is looking forward to what comes of the Canberra venture.
“Canberra has long had some really exciting restaurants and talent, and it’s a region I have been visiting for many years.
“I’ve been looking for opportunities in Canberra, I have worked with many local producers for years, and can’t wait to open these two venues and have even more of a reason to spend time there.”
Moran will continue to focus on local and seasonal produce for his latest venture. The menu will also feature Black Angus from the Moran Family Farm and a selection of charcuterie cuts from the farm’s Berkshire pigs.
The menu will also feature some of Australia’s best producers including Westholme Wagyu and Brooklyn Valley.
Their beef will be cooked on Moran’s custom Montague grill.
Pastas and an extensive list of sides including cacio e pepe mac and cheese, sweet peas and Matt’s famous mash are also highlights.
On the sandwich side of the equation, Moran said “There has been a pretty big sandwich boom across Australia recently, and we look forward to bringing our own offer to the table.
“Like many Australians, I’ve been eating sandwiches since I was a kid. And they never went ‘out’ for me, so I’ve loved witnessing the recent return of the humble sandwich.
Who doesn’t love a good sando—they’re the most simple way to layer great produce, and the options are endless.”
&Sando’s will use classic ingredients including salami, mortadella, ham, provolone, pickles and veg and will have a mix of indoor and outdoor seating and takeaway.
Despite his past television career and celebrity, Moran is now focused on overseeing the food and menus at his restaurants.
Note, Coco Republic will continue as normal despite the closure of l’Americano.
Jonathan Jackson, 27th March 2024
