About us
SAN LORENZO
San Lorenzo is the latest incarnation from the team at the hugely successful Sette Bello restaurant, Glen Waverley which over the years has earned a reputation for high quality service and food. Restaurateurs Frank Ciorciari, Peter Chiaravalle, Elvis Chiaravalle and Chef Nick Phillips join forces with Sab Randazzo from the renowned Sapore restaurant, St Kilda. Combined, they bring decades of experience and old-style professional service to San Lorenzo – a unique CBD dining experience and venue space located in the Eastern suburbs.
With a focus on Italian and modern cuisine, San Lorenzo restaurant offers a dining experience enhanced by uncomplicated, yet delicious food complemented by a carefully selected list of European and Australian wines. To be enjoyed in stylish and contemporary surrounds complete with charming dining nooks and Italian-inspired good looks. Emphasising seasonal ingredients and fresh flavours, the menu features a selection of appetisers, pasta, main meals, rotisserie and unique desserts.
MEET THE TEAM
Sab Randazzo - CO-OWNER
Sab’s love for the hospitality industry spans three decades, when he opened his first restaurant Cheralini’s (Camberwell), with fellow co-owner Peter Chiaravalle at the age of 20, followed by the highly regarded Sapore restaurant (St Kilda) in Fitzroy Street.
He has a hands-on approach to running a business and loves nothing more than creating memorable experiences for everyone who walks through the door.
After spending time living in Italy as a teenager, Sab grew a deep appreciation for the genuine warmth and connection created by sharing great food with friends and family, and this is what he hopes that San Lorenzo will deliver to all its guests, whether it’s a dinner for two or a big celebration.
Frank Ciorciari - CO-OWNER
Frank’s 25-year love affair with hospitality has encompassed a journey of hard work, passion & humility. From early beginnings at a local restaurant, the industry has taken him around the world and back again to his roots in Melbourne.
Frank’s passion for all things European created Sette Bello Restaurant (Glen Waverley), Riserva (East Malvern), and Baia Di Vino (Sandringham), restaurants that are known for their diverse pan-European menus and much-admired wine lists. This deep respect for tradition and quality are also entrenched in creating the customer experience at San Lorenzo.
Peter and Elvis Chiaravalle - CO-OWNERS
With a combined 50 years of experience in hospitality, brothers Peter and Elvis have won over an enviable clientele who appreciate and value true old-style professional and personalised service.
From their early days at Cheralini’s Camberwell, Sapore (St Kilda), and Sette Bello (Glen Waverley), this power duo live and breathe good food and wine and are well known for their relentless pursuit of excellent customer service creating thoughtful, uncompromising dining experiences for each and every customer.
Nic Phillips - CO-OWNER / HEAD CHEF
Starting from humble beginnings Nic’s passion for food and dining started in the family home.
Chef Nic Phillips, has spent the last 20 years training and honing his craft in Australia and London where he has worked with multiple Michelin guided chefs
His upbringing has given him a keen sense of problem-solving and a desire to build from the ground up. Nic enjoys making the effort to create from scratch and waste nothing – an ethos that has inspired modernity among dishes whilst harnessing traditional culinary techniques.
As head chef and co-owner, he is continuously striving to build upon his vision of providing exemplary dishes and a comprehensive guest experience, while also encouraging a rewarding team environment for his staff.
Lucinda Fimmano - FUNCTIONS & EVENTS
With over 15 years experience in the hospitality industry, Lucinda is passionate about building relationships and connecting with people.
With incredible attention to detail, Lucinda provides a structured event flow, handling stressful situations with grace.
A recent bride herself, she enjoys sharing her personal experiences with those who are preparing for their big day.
Clients working with Lucinda appreciate her candor, caring personality, and sincerity. Lucinda takes great satisfaction in seeing everyone happy and is always grateful for the opportunity to make this happen.
SAN LORENZO ORIGIN
It is said that San Lorenzo is the patron saint of cooks. He is also the patron saint of the cooking school located at the Mercato San Lorenzo in Florence, located on the back side of the San Lorenzo Church. Tradition tells us that when Lorenzo was sentenced to death after humiliating the pagan prefect of Rome at the time, he was roasted to death on a gridiron, and to him are attributed the famous dying words, “Turn me over, I’m done on this side.”
The Italians, with their characteristically ironic humour, celebrate the Feast of San Lorenzo with barbecues. The feast day for San Lorenzo is the 10th August.
