Since his arrival in Australia at the age of 11, Lo Terzo has always gravitated towards food, restaurants and bars.

He went from working behind the counter of a delicatessen at 11 years old to running his own catering company, as well as training as a chef and specialising in front of house service at some of the best restaurants in the country, such as Eliza’s in Sydney and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne.

During a trip to Italy, after many years of absence, Lo Terzo was inspired by the exceptional service in every bar and restaurant he dined at.

This prompted him to get back in the game.

In March 2019, he opened The Italian Place, a restaurant in Canberra that specialises in rustic classic Italian dishes based on Italy’s cucina povera traditions.

Lo Terzo established the restaurant with Francesco Petrillo, a chef who was born in the southern Italian region of Campania and trained in Mantua.

Petrillo worked in some of the best restaurants across Italy and Germany, before moving to Canberra almost nine years ago.

He is a master at making fresh pasta and putting his own twist on regional Italian dishes.

Lo Terzo’s initial idea was to open a grocery store specialising in Italian products, but Petrillo managed to convince him to opt for an eatery that he describes as more of a trattoria than a restaurant.

Today, the duo have managed to realise both of their dreams.

“Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, a space two doors down from The Italian Place became available and we opened a providore and coffee shop selling fresh and authentic Italian products, both locally sourced and imported,” Lo Terzo said in an interview with Rete Italia.

The restaurant’s menu features handmade pasta and antipasti to eat in or take away, made with the best local and Italian ingredients, while mains include classics such as saltimbocca alla romana – a favourite of Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Labor Senator Penny Wong.

Diners can complete their meal with a traditional Italian dessert or a large selection of cheeses.

I could write an entire article on the wine list alone, but suffice to say Lo Terzo is a great enthusiast and has many contacts; he has managed to source the best local and Italian drops, as well as a selection of organic wines from small artisan companies.

In addition, Lo Terzo has continued a tradition that he began in a previous restaurant in Melbourne: showcasing one Italian region per month, serving a set menu and wines from the region of the month.

The first instalment of the initiative celebrated Abruzzo and Molise, and the next will focus on Piedmont.

“The Canberra area is famous for its local truffles, which will be in season next month,” Lo Terzo concluded.

“So it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase Piedmont, with its renowned wines and some typical dishes featuring truffles.”