If you googled Bar Surry Hills and Italian Kitchen two weeks ago, you’d either get a repetitive list of bars in Surry Hills or a smattering of restaurants serving the region’s food.
That could mean one of two things: a) Google got it wrong, or b) another bar/restaurant has just opened in Sydney’s busiest ‘burb and it hasn’t been picked up in the ‘net’ yet.
Google is never wrong. Ever.
If we need to be technical about things, Bar Surry Hills isn’t exactly a new kid on the Albion St block. They underwent a revamp when Rydges Sydney Central took over Sebel Surry Hills. The once forgettable trek down towards Central Station (pre Reuben Hills and Chur Burger) will now have you wondering, will I have a Lovedale lager or an espresso martini before heading home?
Bar Surry Hills and Italian Kitchen did in fact get a face-lift, from floor to ceiling glass windows that have been riddled with cucina-themed graffiti to the modern black and white interiors.
Enter through the glass doors and the first thing you will notice is the charcuterie station. There are rows of meat, a mean looking meat-slicer and a friendly chef arranging platters of salami, olives and cheese. The salumi misti board with prosciutto, sopressa and Sicilian olives is a good (salty) start.
Start with an espresso martini or choose from one of their 12 beers on tap. The Glamarama Summer Ale and the Surry Hills Pils are both popular picks.
Living up to its name, Bar Surry Hills and Italian Kitchen has an extensive pasta and pizza list. Potato on a pizza? Did you say carbs on top of carbs? You’ll find the ‘patate’- potato, mozzarella, fresh rosemary, garlic and truffle oil on their white sauce based pizza list. On the pasta front the pappardelle duck ragu, porchini mushroom tortellini and pumpkin raviolini are our favourite choices.
The emphasis of this new joint is about coming together with your family and friends and enjoying good food and an extensive range of drinks including cocktails. Bar Manager David Thompson says, “our dishes are all about sharing and interaction.” And they take this theme to heart. On Saturdays, bring along 3 friends and the first round of cocktails is on Bar Surry Hills and Italian Kitchen. That’s every Saturday!
Other offers like the pizza + bruschetta + 2 Peronis for $35 have made this newbie a popular place to hang. Look them up online today and then you’ll know the Mr Google isn’t trying to mislead you.