Family-owned. Italian heritage. Proudly local since 1977.
Amatos has been on Norton Street, Leichhardt since 1977.
Illuminato "Joe" Prestipino came from the island of Vulcano, in the Aeolian Islands, and opened a small shop here with Connie. The idea was simple: a taste of home for Italians in Sydney's Little Italy.
With Julie, Grace, Frank, and Daniella beside them, they built one of the Inner West's most trusted places for wine, spirits, beer, and Italian food. Nearly 50 years on, we're still family owned. The third generation is in store with the second.
Some regulars first came in as students and now bring their own families. That's Leichhardt. That's famiglia. That's Amatos.
We're not a chain. We choose what goes on the shelves, with a soft spot for Italian wine, from an everyday Montepulciano to Barolo and Nero d'Avola.
You'll also find Australian and New Zealand wines, French classics, craft spirits, and Italian food we've bought from the same producers for years: panettone, cheese, smallgoods, olive oil, biscotti, and more.
Through the year we host wine dinners, tastings, and meet-the-maker nights, including Tour of Little Italy. Good wine. Good food. Good people.
In 2027 we turn 50. Expect events, limited releases, and a few surprises. You'll want to be around for it.
Around the corner? Come in and say ciao. Further away? We deliver to most of Australia. Some states restrict interstate alcohol, so send an enquiry and we'll check.
1936 - 2026
In 1977, after making the courageous journey from the small island of Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands to Australia, Joe had a simple dream: to create a place where Italians could find a taste of home. Together with the love of his life, Connie, he opened the doors of a small family business in Leichhardt - Amatos Liquor Mart.
His legacy is not simply a business. It is kindness before profit. Honesty without compromise. Hard work without complaint. A deep love for family. And the importance of always having faith.
Today, as we proudly continue into our third generation of family ownership, we do so knowing that every shelf, every conversation, every customer, and every act of kindness is built upon the foundation he laid.
Ci vediamo in Paradiso, Nonno.