San Remo Ballroom strikes gold

Before being recognised as the state’s best convention centre, the San Remo Ballroom donned many hats. 

Located at 365 Nicholson St in Carlton North, it opened its doors in 1870 and was home to a roller-skating rink and a furniture store before becoming one of the city’s most prized cinemas. 

However, it wasn’t the 1960s that the building became the ballroom and since then it has cemented its place as one of the finest entertainment and event-hosting establishments in Melbourne, with a legacy that lives on. 

The San Remo Ballroom took out the Event and Convention Centre Caterer category at the 2024 Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence for Victoria and Tasmania. 

The owners of the venue Maria and Rob Cardoni were honoured to have received the award and said, “being recognised for our commitment to exceptional food and service in such a competitive category is incredibly meaningful to us and the entire SRB team.”

“Our team works tirelessly to ensure each event is perfect, and this recognition is a true reflection of their passion, commitment and dedication,” they said.

The Awards for Excellence is part of the restaurant and catering industry’s nationally recognised awards program that in the case of the Victorian and Tasmanian round celebrates exceptional service and culinary talent from across the two states.

To determine the catering section winners, entrants are assessed on all aspects of their catering business, including operations, food, service, staffing, and event and site outcomes.

Since taking ownership of the San Remo Ballroom in 2010, the Cardonis have worked tirelessly to continue to build on its heritage investing a lot of time and energy into creating new menus and ensuring that their service is impeccable. 

Mr Cardoni said that the venue had always been renowned for bringing people together and for being a great place to celebrate.

“Maria and I have always wanted to keep this tradition strong, and winning this award is the icing on the cake,” he said.

“Our entire team, from our exceptional front-of-house and kitchen staff to all the team behind the scenes in event planning, share this win,” Mr Cardoni said.

“They are the heart and soul of every event we host.”

However, it has by no means been an easy road to success for the Cardonis. In 2020, a fire ripped through the ballroom and shortly after the COVID pandemic hit. 

Mr Cardoni admits that it was a challenging period but they used it as “a silver lining and an opportunity to reimagine, redesign, update and elevate our decor and overall offering throughout our rebuild.”

From the ashes they rose and have done so with poise and style as indicated by winning such a prestigious award. 

Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards CEO Suresh Manickam said, “San Remo Ballroom should be proud of this achievement and their commitment to food and service excellence.” •