This New Modern Mediterranean Bar is Officially on Our Must-Try List

Looking for a convenient place in the city to imbibe after work? A newly opened Mediterranean bar and bistro – situated in the heart of Darlinghurst – offers an inspired menu, featuring an indulgent ‘bananacotta’ that will send your tastebuds into a tizzy.

From the team behind Darling Harbour’s favourite Italian restaurant, Bei Amici, comes Bei Bar, a new restaurant that offers a broader interpretation of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. 

Think Italian, with a touch of Greek – using only the best Australian ingredients paired with a few imported specialties.

With the grand opening of Bei Bar, husband and wife duo Felix Rutz and Leigh Cholako hope to entice new visitors to enjoy the ‘urban atmosphere and passing parade’ of Taylor Square and re-position Darlinghurst as Sydney’s new social watering hole. It’s part of the precinct’s major revitalisation, with attractions such as the National Art School and the soon-to-open Qtopia Sydney in the works.

The bar and bistro offers a simple and small menu and wine list, featuring classic dishes you know and love, but done right. 

With an emphasis on seafood, top picks include the succulent spaghetti with Alaskan king crab and the Hibachi grilled swordfish with salmoriglio and Sicilian caponata. 

Vegetarians are sorted, too thanks to Bei Bar’s tantalising fresh burrata and the rich potato and ricotta gnocchi. 

Those with room for dessert can round out their meal with the restaurant’s signature "bananacotta", a fluffy tiramisu or a wattleseed meringue heaped with fresh fruits.

And there’s even a robot named Penny on site that will write custom menus for all your orders on demand. 

Those hoping for a delicious wine to pair with their meal are in for a treat. From the Yarra Valley to Toscana, Bei Bar’s wine list includes several traditional Italian and Australian styles that will cater to even the most refined palates.

The restaurant bar is also home to Vašek Cech, one of the country’s best barmen. Cech is responsible for shaking up Bei Bar’s innovative cocktails – including a floral-tasting fig negroni, a fruity nectarine margarita and a zesty blood orange cello. Happy hour has never tasted sweeter.

Bei Bar can be found at 371 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst. Book your spot here.