Hidden beneath its Mediterranean flair, Song Kitchen is the Surry Hills eatery with a social conscience.
Thought you’d heard of feel good food? Think again. Song Kitchen lets you dine with a difference. The glitzy not-for-profit restaurant is taking the charge against one of Australia’s most concerning epidemics: domestic violence. The recently renovated Wentworth Avenue eatery donates all its proceeds to the YWCA NSW, in support of victims of domestic violence.
Located beneath the Song Hotel, the two tiered dining room and bar usurps any misconceptions diners may have about venues with a charitable focus. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, the relaxed atmosphere is accentuated by cosy candle lit timber tables, plush pops of shrubbery and a welcoming bar at the front of the dining room’s first floor.
If you like to be close to the action, secure your seat at the glistening white bench top and watch the flames fire from the tight open kitchen.
In consultation with wine lover, Sophie Otton, Song Kitchen has curated a wine list of exclusively female winemakers with a distinct focus on supporting NSW vines. However, if you want a fancy start to your evening or afternoon affair, opt for a selection of twisted cocktails. Revel in the summer vibes provided by the Soprano Sour ($16), which combines Aperol, Tanqueray gin and lemon, or follow the recommendation of the daily cocktail special.
Chef Charlotte Gonzales-Poncet’s lunch and dinner menu is a seasonally changing collection of bistro style dishes. You can share, or choose to be a little greedy.
Olives marinated in orange, lemon and rosemary ($5) and shucked Sydney Rock Oysters with Champagne migonette ($4ea) are a classic way to start your Mediterranean feast. If you are up for sharing, opt for the charcuterie plate with cured meats, house pickles and chargrilled bread ($18/26).
The mains selection provides a refreshing take on adored classics. Get your hands dirty by diving into the divine grilled king prawns ($22) with a simple, yet stunning, chilli and romesco salsa.
Bath in the succulence of hand-rolled bucatini pasta with the Pince All’amatriciana ($30). With the additions of a juicy tomato sauce, gaunciale (an Italian cured meat), parsley and Pecorino, the hearty dish is another reimagined classic.
Lightly grilled to almost perfection, the swordfish ($35) is majestically teamed with an eggplant puree. Meanwhile, a fennel, mint and pomegranate salad is an able addition to the plate.
To finish your meal, Song Kitchen offers each of its desserts with a glass of dessert wine. Served with a 60ml glass of Pfeiffer from Rutherglen in Victoria, three Profiteroles ($14) are a rich conclusion to a meal. Drizzled with chocolate sauce and filled with subtle hazelnut ice-cream, you’ll be hankering for more.
It isn’t often that dining out can make a real difference to anything more than your bank account and belly. Although the food is both nuanced and comforting, Song Kitchen’s mission is much more important.
Song Kitchen
5/11 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000
P: (02) 9285 6244
E: songkitchen@songhotels.com.au
