SumBar

While the weekend counter lunch draws a midday crowd to Sydney’s Sumbar, this wine and tapas bar normally flings open its doors to the Randwick community from 4pm until late, at which point the popular happy hour kicks in, allowing lovers of fine wine to get their sticky fingers on some of the more premium vintages in Sumbar’s well-stocked cellar at discount prices. Sumbar has struck a good balance, keeping the scope of their selection judiciously restrained, but making sure to match continental bottles from France and Spain with the Latin American counterparts plus a good number from Australia and New Zealand and some specially sourced organic and biodynamic wines. Naturally, a glass from anywhere on this viticultural itinerary is going to go down well with Sumbar’s other forte, its modern take on tapas.

Sumbar as a venue oozes warm, sunny Spanish character even before the shareable small plates of Mediterranean, modern Australian, Spanish and North African cuisine begin arriving at diners’ tables. A bowl of briny mixed olives is always a good way to whet the appetite, and we should note that most tapas dishes are discounted on Tuesdays! Fresh black mussels and baked barramundi parcels haul ashore the best of Sydney’s famous seafood to this cosy Randwick restaurant, while diners (and vegetarians in particular) shouldn’t miss the mouthwatering porcini and pecorino arancini, or the halloumi sliders that skewer a little Manchego cheese for good Andalusian measure. Looking to host a celebration? Sumbar’s Frenchmans Road premises is split over two levels, with the upstairs lounge a good space for intimate gatherings of up to 16, and the main dining area capable of accommodating up to 50. Sit-down and mix-and-mingle set menus are available, but talk to Sumbar about creating a tapas and tippling menu tailored to the needs of your party.