Simon’s Pick of the Week: Gran Torino Double Bay — Where Italian Excellence Meets Luxury Transportation

This week, Simon’s spotlight shines on Neil Perry’s stunning transformation of the former Song Bird site into Gran Torino — Double Bay’s newest Italian culinary destination that demands nothing less than premium transportation to match its world-class dining experience.

The Phoenix Rises: From Song Bird to Gran Torino

Veteran restaurateur Neil Perry has pulled off what many in the industry thought impossible — a complete restaurant pivot that’s already generating serious buzz across Sydney’s dining scene. After admitting he “missed the mark” with the Asian-leaning Song Bird, Perry has completely reimagined the spectacular $13 million Neville Gruzman building on Bay Street as Gran Torino, an Italian restaurant that promises to be his next culinary triumph.

Why This Matters for Discerning Diners

Gran Torino isn’t just another Italian restaurant — it’s a statement venue that showcases Perry’s decades of culinary expertise, now channeled through the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. From agnolotti del plin filled with veal and guinea fowl to the show-stopping $260 bistecca alla Fiorentina, this is destination dining at its finest.

Executive Transfers: Your Gateway to Italian Luxury

For business leaders and executives seeking an impressive venue for client entertainment or corporate dining, Gran Torino represents the perfect fusion of Perry’s legendary reputation and Italy’s greatest culinary traditions. Our executive transfers service ensures you arrive in style, with professional chauffeurs who understand the importance of punctuality and discretion in business entertainment.

Perfect for:

• Client entertainment and relationship building
• Executive lunch meetings in a sophisticated setting
• Celebrating successful deals and partnerships
• Impressing interstate or international business guests

Dinner Transfers: Romance, Celebration & Culinary Adventure

Gran Torino’s intimate atmosphere and exceptional Italian cuisine make it an ideal destination for special occasions. Our premium dinner transfers service eliminates the stress of Double Bay parking and navigation, allowing you to focus entirely on the exceptional dining experience ahead.

Executive Chef Richard Purdue’s Menu Highlights:

• Fresh snapper in acqua pazza (crazy water) — $49
• Premium swordfish with salmoriglio — $49
• Mishima beef ossobuco — $49
• One-kilogram dry-aged CopperTree T-bone bistecca alla Fiorentina — $260
• Signature vitello tonnato from the former Rosetta restaurant
• Torta di Verona dessert with heritage dating back to Taylor’s in Surry Hills

Door to Door Transfers: Seamless Service for the Ultimate Experience

The three-level Gran Torino experience extends beyond the main restaurant, with Bar Torino opening in the basement (former Bobbie’s space) on September 2nd, offering Italian cocktails and antipasti. Our comprehensive door to door transfers service ensures you can enjoy the full venue experience without any transportation concerns.

The Complete Gran Torino Experience:

• Ground Floor: Main dining room with stunning Italian art and Gina Lollobrigida photography
• Basement: Bar Torino with Italian cocktails and antipasti menu
• Top Floor: Private event space for special occasions and corporate functions

Business Transfers: Corporate Dining Redefined

For corporate events, business lunches, and executive dining, Gran Torino offers the sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional service that reflects well on your company’s standards. Our business transfers service ensures your corporate guests experience luxury from the moment they’re collected until they’re safely returned to their destination.

Corporate Advantages:

• Prestigious Double Bay location with easy CBD access
• Private event spaces available for corporate functions
• Wine list curated to complement the Italian menu
• Professional service standards that reflect well on your business

Business Transportation: The COD Difference

Our business transportation services extend beyond simple transfers — we provide a complete luxury experience that begins the moment your chauffeur arrives. Understanding that first impressions matter in business, our professional drivers and premium vehicles ensure your Gran Torino experience starts with excellence.

Service Features:

• Professional, uniformed chauffeurs
• Premium vehicle fleet maintained to the highest standards
• Real-time booking and tracking via our app
• Flexible scheduling for extended dining experiences
• Corporate accounts available for regular business users
• Easy booking — download our app or book online

The Verdict: Simon’s Pick for September

Gran Torino represents everything we love about Sydney’s evolving dining scene — a master chef refusing to accept defeat, transforming challenge into opportunity, and creating something genuinely special. Perry’s confidence in retaining the full three-level space speaks to his belief in this Italian transformation.

Opening Details:

• Address: 24 Bay Street, Double Bay
• Hours: Lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday; dinner Tuesday
• Reservations: themargaretfamily.com/venue/gran-torino
• Book your table at Gran Torino here
• Bar Torino Opens: September 2, 2025

Book Your Complete Gran Torino Experience

Planning the perfect evening at Gran Torino is now easier than ever:

1. Reserve your table at Gran Torino — Book your dining experience at Neil Perry’s latest culinary venture
2. Book your luxury transfer with COD — Arrange premium transportation to match the exceptional dining experience

Don’t let transportation logistics diminish your Gran Torino experience. Whether you need executive transfers for business dining, dinner transfers for a romantic evening, door to door transfers for convenience, business transfers for corporate entertainment, or comprehensive business transportation solutions, COD ensures your journey matches the exceptional standards of Neil Perry’s latest culinary venture.

Ready to experience Gran Torino in style? Download our app or book directly through this link to arrange your premium transportation service and discover why discerning diners choose professional chauffeur services for their most important dining experiences.

Simon’s Pick of the Week showcases Sydney’s finest dining destinations and the premium transportation services that enhance these experiences. Gran Torino joins an exclusive list of venues that represent the pinnacle of Sydney’s culinary scene, worthy of the luxury transportation experience that COD provides.

Book your COD transfer to Gran Torino today and taste the difference that professional service makes — both on the road and on the plate.