Lists »
Daniel Bloom »
Dining Secrets
You know those places you want to take your friends to, but you also don't want absolutely everyone you know to be there? Finding your perfect secret dining and drinking den can be a lot of fun, especially when cocktails, tapas and perhaps a moody little subterranean setting are involved. So let's go for a walk down a laneway and find a cosy couch together. Shhh!
|
1
|
|
Safety Wolf
Manly
|
A cantina and bar, this joint is a feast for all the senses. Offering tempting tapas teasers, diners are invited to take a seat and have a nibble while sipping on an expertly crafted cocktail.
|
|
2
|
|
Emmilou Tapas Bar
Surry Hills
|
This Surry Hills speak-easy is simply charming. Under the guidance of chef Chris Cranswick-Smith, the menu here allows diners to tease their tastebuds with tapas selections that oscillate from Sydney rock oysters to stuffed zucchini flowers with sheep s milk feta and truffle honey.
|
|
3
|
|
Pocket Bar
Darlinghurst
|
A bar that fits, um ... well, in your pocket, this funky little Darlinghurst eatery and speak-easy pleases with its delicious crepes filled with delights such as field mushrooms or goat's cheese with spinach.
|
|
4
|
|
Joe's Garage
Fitzroy
|
A bit of retro charm goes a long way at this hidden treasure on Brunswick Street. Behind the cheesy neon sign sits a lively bar and cafe where chicken parmas, lentil dahl and lamb shanks await. For a late-night pep-up, why not try a Jam Doughnut shooter of Chambord and Baileys?
|
|
5
|
|
Parlour Wine Room
Acton
|
This ACT beauty will surely delight with its splendid views of Lake Burley Griffin by night. The menu here focuses on delightfully decadent grazing plates, featuring dishes such as twice-cooked pork belly with sweet onion marmalade and coriander.
|
|
6
|
|
Chocolate Buddha
Melbourne
|
Some of the best places are right under your nose, and this Fed Square hotspot is one of them. If you only come out after dark, Chocolate Buddha stays open until midnight, so your secret trysts over sushi can be surreptitiously savoured.
|
|
7
|
|
Garuva Hidden Tranquility Restaurant & Bar
Fortitude Valley
|
Even though it's relatively hidden away on Wickham Street, this stunner manages to book out rapidly on weekends. It's no wonder when you enter through a lush secret garden to find cosy tent-style rooms with comfy animal-print cushions as your seats. Tranquillity is a state of mind, and it's easily reachable when enjoying Garuva's Asian culinary fusions and tingling tropical cocktails.
|
|
8
|
|
43 Below
Perth
|
Could you get any more secret any than an underground bar? This former diggers' bar is now a swish cocktail spot designed to keep city slickers well lubricated. The leather lounges are virtually made for sinking into, though you might want to stake out a quiet corner at the bar to munch on a fig, prosciutto and fetta salad or beef and beer pie.
|
|
9
|
|
Tapas on Hindley
Adelaide
|
Fabulous tapas temptations await at this trendy Adelaide drinking den, where salsa beats reign supreme, and a well-heeled list of wines, beers and spirits beckons. The paella is particularly prized by party people in need of a hearty feed.
|
|
10
|
|
Tonic Bar
Launceston
|
Equal parts style and substance, this contemporary tapas and cocktail bar contains stylish substances of the fruity, creamy and punchy sort. For added sultriness, regular live jazz and DJs cast a super-suave spell under the glimmering chandeliers.
|
 flagging ...
|
|
|
|
