Complete with a dining space, outdoor garden and upstairs bar.
A new modern eatery has arrived right in the heart of Sydney, tucked subtly in a stunning Surry Hills terrace. Fauna is all about celebrating the connections between people, food and the world around us, and it does so through contemporary (and delicious) modern Australian cuisine.
Dubbed a ‘hidden oasis’, Fauna is a romantic space built with neutral tones all throughout the 3 levels. Each unique space has its own charm, with the front dining room featuring marble and rattan accents, comfortably fitting 16 for your next gathering with friends and family. Upstairs, you’ll find The Bar Room which exudes soft and cosy vibes all around. The Bar Room seats 18, and with its fully functional bar, makes a great space for private events. But the real gem lies in the garden, where you can sit in the sun and relax outside with a meal and drink.
In charge of Fauna’s menu is Head Chef, Ace Espiritu, coming from a wealth of experience working in some of the world’s best restaurants. Ace has worked internationally in France, the Philippines and Australia, most recently working at the iconic Hatted Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. At Fauna, you’ll be able to discover Ace’s expertise, marrying traditional techniques with contemporary flavours.
The food is mostly Contemporary Australian but with a heavy influence from Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Fauna is not a place where you can expect a quick bite, the restaurant experience is meant to be savoured, allowing guests to take their time through the classic 4-course structure. Most dishes might sound Italian, but Ace draws inspiration from his own Filipino roots too. Indulge in fresh School Prawns, tossed in a yuzu-kosho aioli, and Piadina Flatbread with pork cheek and cured egg yolk. For heartier dishes, try Fauna’s Polpette Sandwich with beef & pork meatballs, arrabbiata sauce and provolone or BBQed Spatchcock drizzled with house lime ponzu for a tangy and smokey flavour.
Co-owners Geraint Coles and Julia Quisumbing are looking forward to Fauna being Surry Hills’ next “great neighbourhood restaurant”. “We wanted a space that we felt people could forge a relationship with – the type of place we would want to go ourselves – warm service, familiar faces, and food that’s made with love and precision.”
Fauna is now open Tuesday – Saturday for dinner and Thursday – Saturday for lunch. For more information, visit their website here.
