Rossini's Journey to Circular Quay

Rossini’s story begins in 1955, when John Liberiou arrived in Australia to work in a country town café near the Snowy Mountains.

His plan was simple, work hard and return to Europe.

That plan changed when he fell in love with Australia and built a lifelong career in hospitality.

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A Pioneer of Espresso Coffee

in Australia

By 1958, John purchased the café where he worked and took a bold step that would help shape Australian coffee culture.

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At a time when tea was still the dominant drink, he imported a custom-made espresso machine directly from Italy. It cost more than a brand new Holden.

​It was a significant risk, but John believed people would come to appreciate great coffee.

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They did.

​Soon, people were travelling from far and wide to experience his genuine espresso.

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Bringing European Café Culture to Sydney

In the 1960s, John moved to Sydney, opening the iconic American Coffee Lounge at Wynyard Railway Station.

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Inspired by Viennese coffee houses, the venue introduced innovations rarely seen at the time, including:

• Air-conditioning

• Multiple coffee grinders

• A custom-built 4-group espresso machine

• A curated selection of 9 international coffee beans

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Serving over 240kg of coffee per week, the café became a destination and required two baristas to keep up with demand.

Even by today’s standards, it would rival many of Australia’s leading specialty coffee venues.

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A Legacy in Australian Hospitality

Over the decades, John owned and operated some of Sydney’s most recognised venues, ranging from intimate cafés to large-scale spaces seating up to 850 guests across the CBD, Double Bay and The Rocks.

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After 58 years in hospitality, he stepped into retirement, only to realise how much he missed the industry and the people.

So he returned.

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Rossini Today 

Tradition Meets Modern Dining

Today, Rossini Circular Quay continues that legacy.

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We are an Italian restaurant with panoramic harbour views, using fresh Australian produce.

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Our focus is simple:

• High-quality ingredients

• Local, seasonal produce

• Organic and sustainable sourcing where possible

• A genuine and welcoming dining experience

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Experience

Rossini Circular Quay

Located in the heart of Circular Quay, Rossini offers a unique blend of history and modern dining.

Whether you are joining us for coffee, breakfast or a relaxed meal overlooking Sydney Harbour, it is about good food, good company and a setting that speaks for itself.

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Buon appetito. We look forward to welcoming you.