The lockout laws may have changed nightlife in the Cross forever, but the small bar and dining scene is thriving. Potts Point has emerged as a Sydney dining hotspot filled with casual eateries, sophisticated wine bars and fine diners.
Here's our pick of the precinct:
The Apollo
The focus here in on the share plate aspect of Greek food (pictured above), so best enjoyed with a group of friends rather than during a solo business trip as we did recently. With a rustic yet refined approach to Greek cuisine, choose from the a la carte menu or go 'The Full Greek" with a Greek feast for the whole table at $65 per person. Oven baked lamb shoulder, served with lemon and Greek tzatziki is one of the house specialties and not to be missed.
Fratelli Paradiso
A dining institution in Potts Point, this Italian eatery offers all day dining, so pop in anytime for a slice of Italian goodness. With a concise menu scrawled on the gigantic blackboard, choose classics like Calamari Sant' Andrea – fried squid with rocket and balsamic which has been on the menu since opening in 2001.
Monopole
Dark and moody, Monopole is a European style wine bar with an impressive wine list, including over 500 rare and boutique wines. Perch at the bar and nibble house-made charcuterie and local and imported artisan cheeses with a glass of wine or settle in to the banquette seating for share plates. It's the perfect neighbourhood wine bar.
Cho Cho San
With a light, bright, minimalist aesthetic, Cho Cho San offers a modern take on Japanese cuisine. The menu is divided into snacks like Pork Katsu Steam Bun, Raw Bar including Kingfish, Sesame and Cucumber and larger plates/vegetables such as Agadashi, Tofu, Mushroom and Yuzu. Add a Sake Flight featuring a seasonal selection of three sakes for just $30.
Macleay Street Bistro
Iconic Macleay Street Bistro has been serving appreciative diners in the 'Paris' end of Potts Point for over 30 years. Serving French inspired modern Australian cuisine showcasing the best in market freshness alongside classic bistro dishes such as Salmon Tartare with lime caviar and dill essence or Steak Frites with baby rocket and green pear salad. This is one fine diner that never goes out of style.
Room Ten
Blink and you'll miss it; Room Ten is a hole in the wall espresso bar serving some of the best coffee in the Kings Cross precinct. The simple menu offers all-day breakfast and lunch including their famous mushroom melts in all their oozy goodness.
Dear Sainte Eloise
The name, Dear Sainte Eloise is a reference from George Orwell's memoir 'Down and Out in Paris and London' but you won't feel down and out at this welcoming wine bar. Wine is the focus here complemented by a small bites menu and late-night menu including a toastie stuffed with mortadella, smoked scamorza, pickled cabbage and fermented chilli.
Dulcies
Locals are loving this great new bohemian bar in the Cross. Dulcie's embraces the art deco history of the building and is furnished with vintage lamps, elaborate mirrors and comfortable lounges to settle in with a dirty martini.
After all that late-night dining, stumble home to one of the precinct's finest...
Larmont Sydney
Tucked away behind the iconic Coca-Cola sign, Larmont offers sleek and sophisticated accommodation in the bohemian burrow of Potts Point. Still hungry? Larmont Sydney has partnered with eight local restaurants to deliver freshly prepared dishes directly to your door. Enjoy delicious dumplings from Dumplings and Beer, Italy's finest pasta and arancini from Friggitoria or finish with Sydney's famous Gelato Messina all delivered to your door by the friendly front desk team. If you'd rather work off all that food, Larmont offers complimentary yoga classes at onsite Body Mind Life Studios and 24/7 gym access to Anytime Fitness.
Larmont Sydney
14 Kings Cross Road, Potts Point
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