Offering a tour of Europe’s finer things, Black Bottle is Darlo’s newest hidden gem.
Situated at the end of Darlinghurst Road, Black Bottle is somewhat of an interactive wine bar. Here, food lovers can take control of the share plate experience or let owner Lucas Cristofle and his team take you on an eclectic European adventure.
Black Bottle beckons locals inside with charming al fresco style seating. However, step inside and be transported to an underground wine cellar. Adding a mysterious tone to the casual atmosphere, pendant lights and cured meats hang side by side.
Grab a barstool at one of the high timber tables that line the exposed brick wall and let Cristofle’s team do the rest. Expect the wine list to change depending on the temperature and customer’s requests. Served by the glass, carafe or bottle, the affordable list (starting at around $10 a glass) encourages you to taste a variety of aromas. The Charmes Rosé from Provence France ($10 a glass) is ideal for summer. Come Thursdays, Black Bottle pops the lid on French Rosé for $5 from 4pm.
The food menu is designed to be shared. To get you started, nibble plates include anchovies with a hint of chilli ($5) and gloriously plump oysters ($4 each). Black Bottle fires up the BBQ with charred Octopus ($26) with a surprising hint of sobrasada (cured sausage) and onion is a delightfully seared creation. You can’t go wrong with a large side serving of baked potatoes smothered in peppery romesco sauce ($8).
You could quite easily make your way through the remainder of the larger plates, which include Pig Cheek Croquettes ($12) and Sumac Lamb Chops with caponata ($28).
However, don’t leave Black Bottle without peering at the delicatessen cabinet to choose your cheese and cured meat platter combination. For $25 you can personalise your board with three items.
Whether you are in search of an afternoon drop with workmates or a romantic evening for two, Black Bottle is waiting, vinos at the ready.
Black Bottle
Shop 2, 116-118 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
Open: Tues-Sat 4pm-late, Sun 4pm-10pm
blackbottle.com.au