A warm welcome where heritage meets home
Nestled inside the storied 3 Weeds Hotel in Rozelle, Totti’s Rozelle blends the charm of a heritage-listed pub with modern Italian flair. The pub has stood since 1881, originally called the Rose, Shamrock & Thistle, and only gently reimagined when Merivale brought in Totti’s in 2021. Locals describe it as “your local Italian that’s all about sharing good food, a few laughs and a drink or two with family and friends.”
| Keyword | Why Totti’s Rozelle is the Inner West’s Italian Hotspot |
|---|---|
| Location | 3 Weeds Hotel, Rozelle, Sydney NSW |
| Cuisine Style | Modern Italian with heritage pub charm |
| Signature Dish | Wood-fired puffy bread |
| Popular Mains | Handmade pastas, charcoal-grilled meats |
| Dessert Highlights | Tiramisu, banana split, chocolate torta |
| Drinks | Italian cocktails, minimal-intervention wines |
| Atmosphere | Lively, family-friendly, warm |
| Seating Options | Bar, dining hall, private room upstairs |
| Capacity | Private dining for 50 seated / 70 standing |
| Opening Year | 2021 (under Merivale) |
| Chef | Mike Eggert |
| Ambience | Rustic heritage with modern elegance |
| Best For | Shared meals with friends or family |
Rich but relaxed setting
Executive chef Mike Eggert labelled this branch “might just be the nicest one in the group,” and the design backs that up. Exposed timber rafters, leafy accents, natural light from the atrium garden, and even an acoustic ceiling at the back give it character—but with a gentle elegance. Unlike the fast-paced CBD spot or Bondi’s people-watching vibe, this Rozelle iteration feels family-friendly—perfect for a relaxed Sunday dinner or Friday night buzz.
Show-stopping puffy bread
One look at the menu, one bite, and you’ll understand the buzz. Totti’s Rozelle’s wood-fired puffy bread is legendary—rolled, tossed, and oozing with life before your eyes, burnished outside, soft and airy inside. Crowd-pleasing antipasti—think burrata, smoked mortadella, nduja, anchovies, marinated vegetables—are perfect companions.
Pastas that earn their praise
You’ll find standout handmade pastas such as spinach campanelle with milk-braised pork ragu—that “luscious chili pork ragu that tastes as if it’s been bubbling for days”—and chitarra with clams, garlic, and chilli. They’re rich, well-realized dishes that feel truly Italian, never ersatz.
Charcoal-grilled mains, vibrant desserts
Totti’s Rozelle features a Josper charcoal oven that elevates chargrilled proteins to showstoppers—whole roasted fish, half-smoked chicken, even a 1.5 kg Brooklyn Valley rib-eye steak. And when you’re ready to close things out, the dessert bar shines: koppa gelato, chocolate torta, coffee granita, and an over-the-top banana split dripping with nostalgia.
Drinks to match the vibe
Their beverage list opts for simplicity and flavor—minimal-intervention, easy-drinking wines, plus snazzy Italian cocktails like Negronis, spritzes, garibaldis, and more.
A place with heart and community
Merivale acquired the 3 Weeds pub in 2019, and locals value how gently they’ve revived it—not erased it. The pub bar remains largely unchanged, with Totti’s operating alongside, preserving the old-school community feel while adding fresh energy.
Living locally, dining globally
Despite the joy Totti’s brings, Rozelle residents have voiced concerns about increasing traffic, noise, and parking pressures since its 2021 opening. The council has responded with extended parking limits, enforcement, and discounts for locals—while Totti’s has briefed staff to discourage nearby parking, extended security hours, and encouraged public transport to alleviate strain. So far, it’s a cooperative effort to keep the vibrant spot a good neighbor.
What people really say
Trust-based review platforms offer a rounded picture. Based on over 1,300 reviews, Totti’s Rozelle scores around 4.5 out of 5—“consistently reliable,” albeit “slightly overpriced,” with an energetic yet cozy vibe and frequent mentions of parking, noise, and variable service.
TripAdvisor reviews are more mixed—rating it around 3.4 out of 5. Some guests lament small portions, wait times, or noise (like being rushed or underserved), while others praise the wood-fired bread, friendly service, and atmosphere. In other words, it’s a lively place—sometimes a little chaotic—but full of character.
Tips for your Totti’s visit
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Book ahead. It’s popular, and walk-ins may wait—even midweek.
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Start with bread and antipasti. They’re essentials here.
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Expect a buzz. Not a place for quiet whispers—this is for those who enjoy energy and atmosphere.
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Plan parking. Consider public transport or be ready to park a little further away.
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Bring the family. Kids and groups do well here—there’s even a private dining space for up to 50 seated or 70 standing upstairs.
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Pick your moment. A Tuesday or Wednesday lunch can mean fewer crowds.
Why it truly stands apart
Totti’s Rozelle isn’t merely another Italian venue—it’s a meeting point of history and culinary warmth. A heritage pub is given new life, yet remains grounded. The food is thoughtful and real but not pretentious. Its quirks—crowds, noise, parking—are part of its charm, not drawbacks. And both locals and visitors fuel the lively spirit.
If you’re after genuine Italian food made with care, in a place where the walls tell stories and the kitchen treats you like family, then Totti’s Rozelle isn’t just a hotspot—it’s a heartfelt destination.
