As I’m sure you’re all by now aware, I am one of those crazies who doesn’t drink coffee. As such, I’m happy to ditch the former of Jekyll & Hyde’s two personalities, the ‘by day’ (and I’m sure much more innocent) café, for the (hopefully) more sinister bar by night. Owners James Anderson and Sam Fuller have done a fantastic job of transforming this pre-loved (but, let’s be honest, dated) Café Fellini into a great spot for dinner, a date or, as is the case at hand, a boozy night to let down your hair over a glass of prosecco and plate of tapas. You could even bring your rough trade back the next morning for breakfast and nobody would be any the wiser!
The menu is divided into various sections, the first page of which details four separate tapas boards of the Spanish, Italian, French and Asian varieties. Unfortunately, the boards do not lend themselves to a very vegetarian friendly fare, but with the help of our lovely waitress we manage to make one up of our own. With a range of things on offer, it’s tough to decide, but in the end we go for the following:
- Mixed marinated regional olives served with bread
- Arrancini (cooked in a vegetable stock) of mushroom and tallegio
- Salad of roma tomato, buffalo mozarella, basil leaves & aged balsamic
And a Pont Levec cheese (similar to a brie).
With an impressive wine and cocktail menu, a brilliant view of the Victoria Street comings and goings and a happy atmosphere, I have already recommended the place to several people for dinners, dates and everything else in the “other” category. You shall probably see me in the corner with a glass of wine (at either the Jekyll or Hyde times of day), reading tour guides and writing lists, counting down the days before my next overseas adventure.
A little courtyard out the back, slightly French provincial feel (which, mixed with the variety of flavours already on offer in the cuisine department becomes quite the combination) and truly Aussie sense of hospitality, it seems Jekyll and Hyde needs no help in the personality department.
Jekyll & Hyde
02 9360 5568
332 Victoria Rd, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
www.jekyllandhydebar.com
