Culina et Vinum is Elizabeth Bay’s new sophisticated European restaurant.

If “good wine gladdens the heart” then paired with good food, it must “gladden the soul”. You would be hard pressed to find a better combination of the two than at Culina et Vinum. Translation = Kitchen + Wine. Soon to become a favourite amongst Elizabeth Bay locals, the atmosphere welcomes you like you’re already part of the family.  It’s sophisticated European cuisine is equal to superlative Italian dining.

The newest venture of Naomi Lowry (Biota and Popolo) and Abhi Mahadevan (Aki’s Indian), the food at Culina et Vinum is comforting with strong flavours and interesting combinations. Take for example the Fregola pasta, traditionally a Sardinian dish served with mussels and Ndjuia (spicy Italian salumi) is a wonderful combination of seafood, pasta and spice. In the mood to complement your meal with a glass of Dom Perignon or a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape? Both are available alongside a diverse range of wines from well considered regions and varieties.

Try the pepper cured mackerel, served with grapes, celery and ajo blanco ($17). The pepper gives it a good kick of spice while the grapes a refreshing sweetness. The chicken liver parfait, with port jelly and toast ($15) is smooth and creamy and goes well with the brandade de morue (salt cod mousse) with charcoal crisps ($14) as a starter.

The Tagliatelle cacio e pepe (pecorino and pepper) ($22) is sure to be a crowd pleaser, with housemade fresh pepper pasta served with cheese and pepper sauce. There is a focus on fresh produce with each dish on the menu. The heirloom tomato salad served with cherries, basil, and a dressing of Kalamata olives along with the salt baked beetroot with cooked curds, nuts and seeds ($22) are stand out dishes.

The dessert special of blood orange sorbet with lemon curd on shortbread is light and refreshing and the honeycomb is full of flavour and crunch. If you prefer an after-dinner cocktail instead try the honeycomb espresso martini.

The interiors are flush with green walls and hanging plants, and vegetation surrounds you in this partially hidden oasis. You’ll be forgiven for momentarily thinking you were dining alfresco. The outdoors has come inside to create an inviting and relaxing setting for dinner with the parents, catch up with friends or perhaps a special date night. Culina et Vinum can cater for all groups with ease and the staff are chatty and welcoming ensuring you feel right at home. You might not want to leave.
Culina et Vinum
Shop 1, 19-23 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Elizabeth Bay, NSW, 2011
02 9356 8307
Open: Breakfast: 8am-11am • Lunch: 12pm-3pm • Dinner: 6pm-10pm
https://culinasydney.com.au/