We all seek the perfect spot for an intimate and romantic glass of wine with someone special, or simply a great place to relax after a tough work week and enjoy a chilled-out drink with friends.
We’ve rounded up six of our fave wine bars to imbibe, eat and socialise when the mood strikes…
Casual, Sophisticated Vibe
Natural wine, hearty fare, hip hop and cocktails are what have Northern Beaches locals flocking to new kid on the block, Banco Manly on Whistler Street. The sibling to Corretto Dee Why, this Manly venue hides down a back alley and projects a casual, yet sophisticated vibe ideal for a date night, celebration or just an after-work catch-up with friends over drinks.
With vintage-chic accents, marble-topped tables and banquette seating, settle in with a Coco-Loco cocktail with tequila, mezcal, vanilla liqueur, coconut, habanero bitters, coconut oil and toasted coconut, to accompany a lobster roll with miso mayo and iceberg lettuce.
Good-times Bar for Real People
Born from a spirit of mateship and a labour of love, Oh Loretta Wine Bar on High Street in Northcote invites friends, family and perfect strangers to share food, wine and old-school vinyl. This good-times bar is for real people, run by real people and a funky spot to let your hair down with after-work drinks and bites from an ever-changing menu.
Red leather banquette seating beckons as a resting place to savour a cocktail, as Oh Loretta keeps the latch on the liquor cabinet loose at all times; begin with pork jowl croquettes with orange and pineapple relish, followed by confit duck, cauliflower purée and Dauphinoise jus.
Modern Italian Cuisine
Beaconsfield foodies head to DoppioZero Pizzeria & Wine Bar on Brunt Road for modern Italian cuisine sure to satisfy all cravings. Art Deco-style wall murals, shelves stacked with wine and yellow chairs hanging from the ceiling all add to the quirky style of this restaurant; or dine alfresco under trailing greenery and sip a vino of choice while pondering an appetising menu of pizza, pasta and much more.
Pair your favourite glass of red with starters like polenta chips, gorgonzola sauce and balsamic reduction; followed by pizza slices topped with fior di latte, garlic prawns, cherry tomatoes, spinach and chilli, on a confit garlic base.
Chic Tapas & Wine Bar
Come for a coffee, stay for the food at Fare and Square on Wellington Square in North Adelaide. More than just a café, it’s an experience at this well-loved local diner where you can enjoy the priceless view of the square from inside or out while perusing Adelaide’s best dog menu and all-day breakfast fare.
From Thursday to Saturday nights, Fare and Square transforms into a chic tapas and wine bar offering an exciting menu and SA’s best wines; think choices like slow-cooked beef cheek ragu with creamy garlic mash, or salt and pepper squid, lime aioli, a side salad and chips.
Neighbourhood Bistro & Bar
A neighbourhood bistro and bar serving food that works with wine is what you will find at Carlton Wine Room on Faraday Street. Occupying a treasured corner in old Carlton, this venue has distinct dining spaces over three levels linked by a common offering of solid informed service and good times.
Come in for honest, generous dishes, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself; think plates like pork neck, fennel, radicchio and grilled peach, or duck breast, cauliflower, Dutch carrots and plum jus, accompanied by a glass of Pinot Noir.
Exclusively Curated Small Plate Menu
Neighbourhood food and wine designed to be shared and enjoyed with a perfectly matched glass is what you’ll find at Bar Leo Food & Wine on Panitz Street in Bundall. Dine out in the alfresco area under the Gold Coast sun or relax inside for a more comfortable experience as you sit at one of the bars and enjoy an ice-cold tap beer or wine.
From the exclusively curated list of small plates, dine on steak tartare, with chilli oil, crème fraiche, bonito, mustard and straw potato; or cuttlefish ink risotto with local calamari, fennel, chilli oil and Manchego cheese.
