Can’t jet off to Europe this summer? Don’t fret! These Sydney spots offer a taste of Italy, France, Spain, and beyond.
Experience Mediterranean charm in Sydney’s CBD, soak up Basque vibes in the Inner West, savour Parisian fare in the Eastern Suburbs, and enjoy coastal dining in the Northern Beaches.
Pellegrino 2000, Surry Hills
Step into Pellegrino 2000 in Surry Hills, where vintage photos, pasta packets, and olive oil bottles create a warm, Italian-inspired ambience that transports you straight to Europe. Famous for dishes like Artichokes alla Romana and Vitello Tonnato, this neo-bistro also features a moody wine cellar for intimate dining. With inviting outdoor seating and a menu that captures the essence of Italy, Pellegrino 2000 offers an authentic slice of Europe in the heart of Sydney. And if it’s good enough for Taylor Swift – that says it all!
Bar Louise, Enmore
Located on Enmore Road, Bar Louise is a chic, Spanish-inspired tapas and wine bar by the Porteno Group. The former Mary-Louise Salon retains its iconic 1950s facade, now refreshed with terracotta tiles, mustard yellow, and rust-red accents. Head chef Marcelo Munoz offers a produce-driven menu featuring dishes like house-made chorizo, morcilla with peas and fried eggs, and txistorra. Enjoy an extensive wine list with selections from Spain, Italy, and France, and classic cocktails like Sangria and Kalimotxo. For $80pp, you can enjoy their superb banquet menu, blending history with modern sophistication and offering a European flair in one of Enmore Road’s most iconic spots.
de Vine Food and Wine, CBD
Sydney CBD’s oldest wine bar, de Vine Food & Wine turned 21 this year. This cosy restaurant presents an authentic Italian experience in a chic, newly renovated venue. Enjoy traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist by head Chef, Tim Fisher. Try their house-made pappardelle with Wagyu beef ragu or drool-worthy king prawn risotto when you visit. Julian Izzillo’s extensive wine list features over 500 bottles, highlighting Italian and natural wines, complemented by a remarkable selection of digestives. It also holds the largest collection of Amaro in the southern hemisphere, boasting over 250 bottles. Enjoy genuine Italian food and warm hospitality when you visit de Vine.
Bistro Rex, Potts Point
Bistro Rex, a sophisticated yet approachable French restaurant in Potts Point, has been a local favourite since it opened in 2017. Whether you’re after a casual midweek aperitif or a candlelit dinner, Bistro Rex delivers time and time again. Enjoy French classics like triple cheese soufflé, steak frites, and their Rex Wagyu burger. The dark French oak interiors and mosaic penny tiles create a classic Parisien bistro feel, with the iconic zinc bar offering the best spot to enjoy French and Australian wines and watch the open kitchen in action.
Sails, Lavender Bay
With stunning Harbour views and a new, chic makeover, Sails on Lavender Bay offers a stylish European escape. The revamped space features vibrant decor alongside coastal charm, making for a worldly dining experience. Head Chef Saro Derderyan serves Modern Australian classics like Jacks Creek Beef Tartare and Moreton Bay bug spaghettini. The warm ambience and breathtaking setting make it the ideal spot for a memorable dining experience, like a birthday or anniversary. Experience the perfect blend of elegance and seaside allure at this iconic Sydney spot.
Una Más, Coogee
Nestled in Coogee Pavilion’s middle level, is a charming tapas bar not to be missed. This casual 50-seater is the perfect spot for a glass of wine and simple delights like grilled octopus or fresh buffalo mozzarella with a wheat baguette. With its warm, inviting atmosphere adorned in light peach tones and striking art, Una Más is a relaxed yet stylish space. Choose from Euro-inspired cocktails, spritzes, or top-shelf vermouth over ice. Take the venue’s name to heart—“una más” means “one more.”
Pilu, Freshwater
This Northern Beaches gem has been enchanting diners since 2004 with Sardinian-inspired Italian cuisine. Set in a beach house overlooking Freshwater Beach, Pilu boasts one of Sydney’s most stunning restaurant views. Provenance shines through with dishes like an oven-roasted suckling pig from the Hawkesbury and house-made Sardinian semolina pasta. The hiramasa kingfish cured with mirto and pecorino consommé is a true stand-out. The beachy ambience complements the exceptional food and extensive Italian wine list, making Pilu a standout dining experience on the Northern Beaches.
Bottega Coco, Barangaroo
Where exquisite Italian elegance meets sustainability, sip and savour Italian bliss at Barangaroo’s Bottega Coco. With a menu heavily inspired by the culinary heritage of Italy, infused with the best fresh & local ingredients available in Australia, this restaurant exudes Italian flair and traditional hospitality. Guided by native Italian Executive Head Chef Dario Nencioni and Head Pastry Chef Valentina Mora, Bottega Coco is a must-visit for Italian food and wine lovers.
Cardea, Barangaroo
A fusion of fine dining and performance, Cardea is an intimate hideaway adorned with vintage furniture and luxurious velvet in Barangaroo. Taking its name from the legendary Roman Goddess Cardea, this speakeasy is more than just an escape from Sydney’s hustle and bustle, it’s a vibrant stage hosting French cabaret, burlesque, and live music, with a glitz and glamour that will transport you straight to the Brasseries of France.
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Looking for a glass of wine in Surry Hills? Check out our guide to the Best Wine Bars In Surry Hills
