Heartfelt hospitality meets honest Italian fare in Wickham
There’s a quiet buzz happening on Hannell Street in Wickham, just a short stroll from the Newcastle Interchange. The familiar space that once housed a coffee chain has been transformed into a warm and welcoming eatery filled with the aromas of garlic, herbs, and slow-cooked sauces.
This is The Italian Corner – the newest venture from husband-and-wife duo, Rocky and Sonie, also behind the long-loved Italian Cottage in Cessnock.
Seven months into its journey, The Italian Corner has already made an impression, becoming a staple in Wickham residents’ dining out lineup.
“Wickham is great – we’re really lucky with the amount of regulars and takeaway orders we get every week. We often get a lot of people that walk from the nearby offices to enjoy lunch too,” Rocky said.
That lunch crowd is a big part of the momentum. The menu, though rooted in the classics served at their Cessnock venue, leans heavily into changing specials to keep things fresh and exciting.
“Every two weeks we change up a selection of three or four different specials. We’re finding a lot of our regulars are looking forward to those specials and seeing what’s different.”
Of course, a few dishes have taken on a reputation of their own.
“Our most popular dish is our linguine con frutti di mare – it’s what we’ve kind of become famous for. Our tiramisu is a close second.”
The tiramisu, made using the same method Rocky first learned over a decade ago, is a simple, soulful nod to his roots.
Rocky’s journey into Italian cuisine is as heartfelt as the food itself. After arriving in Australia from India in 2010 to pursue studies, Rocky was led to a job washing dishes in a small Italian restaurant in Bowral.
That hands-on experience, quick career progression, and close bond with the restaurant’s owners laid the foundation for what would become a passion for Italian cuisine.
From Bowral, he moved on to work in Sydney institutions like The Chiswick in Woollahra, Watson’s Bay Hotel, and ARIA before eventually seeking something of his own.
That something took shape in 2019 with the launch of The Italian Cottage in Cessnock.
“Six years later and we still have some of the same customers that come back time and time again. Some even come twice a week.”
The success of the Cessnock location and encouragement from their loyal following led Rocky and Sonie to scout out their next spot – and Wickham ticked all the boxes.
Inside The Italian Corner, the vibe is casual and welcoming. The large space is simple, with lots of Italian decor dotting the walls and giving off that unmistakable trattoria warmth.
It’s the kind of place you can pop into for a quick, satisfying lunch – and they’ve made sure the menu caters to that. A growing sandwich offering means time-poor office workers can grab something hearty and fresh, as well as make the most of their catering offering.
There are also some great weekday deals including a pepperoni pizza and Peroni combo for $25 and $20 lunch specials available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (closed Tuesdays).
Plus their drinks menu is equally satisfying with a great selection of cocktails, a substantial wine list, and on tap beers.
For Rocky and Sonie, everything about the business comes back to family and heart. From humble beginnings in a Bowral kitchen to serving up Italian eats in Wickham, Rocky and Sonie invite you into their newest venture.
