Pizza, pasta and Papa Rolly’s – the Gemelli Group has opened a neighbourhood-style trattoria in Carrara
When it comes to Italian on the Gold Coast, there’s one name that is synonymous with authenticity – Gemelli. With restaurants in Broadbeach, Nobby Beach, Sorrento and James Street in Brisbane, the Gemelli family certainly has a proven formula for success in the hospitality game. In exciting news for Carrara residents, the group – headed by twins Alec and James, alongside older brother Paul – have opened a brand-new casual Italian concept on Pappas Way. It’s called Papa Rolly’s, and here’s everything you need to know …
Papa Rolly’s is a bricks-and-mortar nod to the food truck that rolled through the streets of the Gold Coast back in 2016. Named after the Gemelli brother’s late grandfather, Nonno Rolando, their latest venture seeks to build upon the legacy of convivial dining with a brand-new Italian concept that is family friendly and fun. Spurred by the success of Roy’s by Gemelli in Sorrento, the team jumped at the opportunity to stray further from the usual dining hotspots, this time bringing the authentic Italian Gemelli is known for to Carrara.
Papa Rolly’s, which opened late last week, embraces the concept of approachable dining, where comfort food meets artisanal craftsmanship – think of it as a modern take on the classic red-and-white-checkered tablecloth vibe, but not in the literal sense. The space radiates warmth and a welcoming atmosphere, making it the ideal spot for families to grab a bite, groups and anyone craving authentic Italian fare without the formalities of fine dining.
When it comes to the menu, it’s a combination of the most-loved dishes from all of the Gemelli group’s venues. We’re talking calamari fritti, arancini funghi and burrata panzanella for entrees, alongside woodfired pizza for mains. There are 15 different pizza combinations on offer, ranging from classics such as the Bella Donna, featuring hot salami, burrata and a drizzle of hot ‘nduja honey, alongside the Papa Rolly’s Special (chicken, pancetta and mushrooms with a glug of garlic oil). Pasta lovers can twirl a fork into the likes of the Rigatoni Roy’s, which is the best-selling dish from the Sorrento restaurant, featuring chicken breast, mushrooms, avocado, cherry tomatoes, Napoli sauce and a touch of cream. Just be sure to leave room for a scoop or two at the gelato bar, which features a dozen of Gemelli’s famous gelato flavours.
You might like
There’s a full bar menu available, with classic Italian cocktails including limoncello spritz sitting pretty next to negronis. In true Italian style, the house wine – in Rosso red or Bianco white – is available by the glass, 500-ml and 1000-ml carafes. Perhaps the most unexpected and delightful twist is that Papa Rolly’s is also BYO wine, although the corkage is $10 per person.
Visually, Papa Rolly’s echos a familiar palette of raw exposed brick and concrete elements found in other Gemelli locations, but with a warm timber twist. Though there is seating for 85 scattered inside and out, the venue is also geared towards takeaway.
Although it’s early days, the Carrara community has been quick to embrace the neighbourhood newcomer with bookings in hot demand. If you’re keen to nab a table, head to The Directory for the details.
Image credit: Supplied