Nestled in the alley of Llankelly Place sits et al. where Impromptu Dining once stood.
Leave the drag of The Cross behind and mosey on down towards sophisticated Potts Point and you’ll find the romantic little spot on your left. The acclaimed chef Daniel Backhouse (ex Bathers Pavilion & Berowra Waters Inn) has breathed new life into et al. with seasoned manager Stephen Craig (who spent 10 years with Colin Fassnidge at Four in Hand) to create a cool, casual and summery venue in Potts Point.
Right next to a bustling casual pizzeria, the sleek and sexy fit-out is very welcome. Thanks to Giant Designs who designed the venue, a small indoor and mainly outdoor al fresco dining area with bright green and white striped seats transports you away from the rush of Sydney, which lands you somewhere between Italy and France. With neighbours such as Dear Sainte Eloise and Room Ten, this end of Potts Point is making quite a name for itself.
The menu is all about classics with a twist – think blood sausage rolls with beetroot ketchup ($12) or a whopping 600gram scotch fillet served with fried potatoes and black garlic butter, designed for sharing ($60). The entrees fleet between fresh and raw dishes like lamb tartare with peas and a fried egg puree ($16), vodka cured salmon with grapefruit, avocado and fennel ($16), Burrata with shaved zucchini, tempura flowers and hazelnuts ($15) and spanner crab with beans, walnuts and salsa verde ($17). There’s also a classic chicken liver parfait with balsamic onions and fried bread ($14), which compliments all the raw starters.
The menu is served share style but that’s not to say you can’t get your own main. We were drawn to that large scotch fillet, but if you want something that won’t leave you rolling away, try the pork belly with charred apple sauce and raisins ($30), the pumpkin ravioli with ricotta, dashi brown butter and sesame ($22) or the barramundi with roast eggplant, tomato and pesto ($28).
Their generous sides include iceberg with bottarga and lime, roast carrots with yoghurt and granola and crisp potatoes with smoked golden syrup (all $8).
If your sweet tooth is calling for an end-of-meal treat, why not opt for the Lavender Crème Brulee ($14). If you’re in need of a palate cleanser, there is coconut sorbet with pineapple ($12) to relieve you. Those simply looking for something different should try the roast rockmelon with yoghurt and miso praline ($10).
The beverage list reads well with some summery cocktails like the Elderflower Gin Collins ($16) or a classic Aperol Spritz ($15). The wine list takes you on a journey through France, Italy and Australia with lots of notable favourites.
To tell you the truth, we didn’t want to leave! The vibe on a warm Friday night was infectious and the place was busy, but manageable. The service was cool, calm and collected and the team were totally in control. It is the perfect place for a summery outdoor meal.
et al. is now also open for brunch from Friday – Sunday.
Et al.
7/24-30 Springfield Avenue, Potts Point, entrance via Llankelly Place,
(02) 8018 6722