Step back in time at Bopp & Tone, a hidden world of glamour, cocktails and great food in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
You would’t recognise the former Steel Bar and Grill on Carrington St these days. The CBD site was taken over by Applejack Hospitality group (The Botanist, SoCal, The Butler, Della Hyde, Endeavour Tap Rooms) late last year. The stark, minimal aesthetic of Steel has been replaced with lots of elegant decor including chandeliers, leather booths, dark wood and soft low lighting.
There’s a real nostalgic 1940s/1950s vibe at Bopp & Tone, designed to pay tribute to the Applejack founders’ grandfathers, Keith ‘Bopp’ Evans and Anthony ‘Tone’ Adams. The venue reflects the post WW2 optimistic era of opulence and grandeur yet feels very relaxed and inviting. Inside is more formal space a sit down meals, whilst outside on the alfresco dining terrace is perfect for after work drinks amongst the greenery.
The menu caters to those who like to share and anyone who might just be craving a good steak to themselves. Their in-house wood grill and charcoal oven take centre stage in the kitchen where Head Chef Sa Va’afusuaga and Group Executive Chef Jason Roberson have created dishes with a Mediterranean influence. For some light starters the Cobia kingfish crudo with ruby grapefruit is a nice fresh start with a glass of champagne. Or perhaps start with a selected of cured meats served with grissini, sourdough and chutney with a negroni.
The baked mozzarella in lemon leaves is an unusual dish, one i’ve not seen before. Thick slices of mozzarella are placed on wide lemon leaves, baked and drizzled in chilli oil. The lemon leaves aren’t edible but add a little zesty twist which mixes well with the chilli and saltiness of the cheese.
When it comes to the grill you’ve got plenty of options. From their minute steak served with Paris butter ($28) to the 300g rib eye ($46), 1kg grass fed Brooklyn Valley Bistecca ($135) and more. They all come served with black garlic BBQ sauce and chopped herb salsa.
Between two, the char-grilled spatchcock with smoky paprika ($33) and the sliced minute steak are great dishes to share. Definitely add the roast potatoes in herb butter ($9), smoked mushroom with herb mascarpone ($14) and the fried cauliflower with paprika yoghurt, dukka, mint ($14).
The wine list by the bottle is extensive with drops from Australia and overseas. They also have a range of cocktails including the classics, aperitifs, wine spritzers and a few mocktails.
To finish your meal you could order a selection of Australian & European cheeses served with house-made lavish & crackers. Or one of their desserts, the bitter sweet chocolate tart with hazelnuts, liquorice crumble and creme fraiche is rich and delicious. Or you could order both! Either way, channel Donald Draper from Mad Men and order yourself an Old Fashioned nightcap to end the night.
Hot tip: Everyone Mon- Fri they have $12 cocktails available from 4-6pm. Because everybody loves a good happy Hour. Check out our other CBD Happy Hours.