With a stellar chef line-up, Ursula’s pays homage to modern Australian cuisine and former restaurant, Darcey’s.
There’s something special about a restaurant nestled amongst apartments in a little neighbourhood. It’s casual, yet delightful to be able to wander down the street and perch up with locals over fine food and beverage. There’s plenty of charming neighbourhood restaurants in Sydney, but one that seems to be the talk of the town is Ursula’s in Paddington.
Chef Phil Wood takes credit for this new addition as his first independent restaurant. The name was inspired by a family member who lived on Jersey Road, just around the corner from where the building stands. The space undertook a major interior renovation during the lockdown with the help of Melbourne-based designer Brahman Perera. The dining room is charming, boasting rich caramel tones, crisp silks, softly textured walls and bespoke plaster pendant lighting over the tables.
Wood is at the helm of the kitchen, accompanied by John Laureti (Pt. Leo Estate, Rockpool est. 1989) and Luke Cawsey (Saint Peter, Rockpool Bar & Grill). The menu is an interpretation of Australian bistro cuisine through Wood’s palate. Dishes include Snapper with Keen’s Curry vinaigrette and Margra Lamb Rump with brussels sprouts and mint sauce. Beef Carpaccio pays tribute to Darcy’s, the former Italian restaurant previously on the site for almost 40 years. For dessert, Wood has modernised the classics including Peach Melba with raspberry syllabub, peaches and vanilla ice cream, Golden Syrup Dumplings with rum, raisin and malt cream, and Strawberry & Coconut Flummery with palm sugar ice cream.
Sommelier Sebastian Crowther is in charge of the ever-evolving wine list. He has set out to showcase Australia’s best wine regions, smaller family-run wineries including Tyrrell’s, Crawford River, Jim Barry, Henschke and Grosset, as well as emerging makers from around the globe.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Saturday. Enjoy a tipple out on the balcony overlooking Paddington, perch up in the dining room or hire out The Blue Room, a private dining space that’s perfect for intimate occasions.
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