A collection of chic Italian bars located in Sydney and Melbourne
Cheerful, cozy enotecas are surely the most perfect antidote to the latest onslaught of cold, wintery nights and with this in mind Essteele have selected a handful of Sydney and Melbourne's most authentic Italian-style wine bars.
10 William St - Sydney
Broadsheet, the definitive online food and wine guide, aptly describes 10 William St as a mix of classic Italian swagger with Australian-style experimentation. Primarily a wine bar, the tiny space also yields a contemporary bar menu that complements a revolving list of mainly Italian wines, aperitivo's and sparklings, available by the glass or by the bottle. Located a stone's throw from Sydney's bustling Oxford Street, the vibe is low-lit and buzzy and the large wall-hung blackboard showcases a daily list of specials that keeps things interesting for regulars and newbies alike.
10 William Street Paddington 2021
Tel: +612 9360 3310
121BC Cantina & Enoteca - Sydney
The unusual name for 121BC refers to a vintage of Falernian wine - an acclaimed 'cru' of the Roman age, considered by many ancient sources to be the vintage of a lifetime.
Rather a long way from Rome, but no less authentic, this upmarket Surry Hills enoteca focuses on small artisan producers, and Italian local varieties, and takes a strong interest in organic and biodynamic wines. Situated next door is their hugely popular wine shop, where patrons can pick up a bottle to drink at the wine bar, accompanied by bites such as their daily cured meats, bruschetta, ravioli or heartier fare such as the balsamic pork ribs. With just 24 seats at the communal table, bookings are recommended.
4/50 Holt Street Surry Hills
(02) 9699 1582
Bar Nonno - Melbourne
A relatively new kid on the block, Northcote’s first biodynamic wine bar Bar Nonno opened in 2014 and was designed as a space to drink well, meet, and eat like a European. The busy wine room does a roaring trade most nights and punters can choose from a bottle of wine and a pizza in the front bar or venture out to the back courtyard restaurant to linger over the 120-strong wine list and menu that includes traditional Italian dishes such as the crowd-pleasing house-made gnocchi with spiced lamb Ragú.
High Street Northcote 3070
+613 9486 3255