We are happy to announce our newest addition The Waratah as a Mains venue on our Darlinghurst Dining Tour.
Housed in a transformed grand terrace house positioned perfectly on the corner of Liverpool and Victoria Streets this new venue is a joyful celebration of Australiana, blending culinary expertise with artistic flair.
Natural elements have been incorporated into the design: from the Waratah light-box shining onto Victoria Street, to the hand-painted flora ceiling mural echoing the beauty of Australian landscapes in the urban setting of uptown Darlinghurst. The attention to detail, like the zig-zagging bathroom tiles - reminiscent of Waratah leaves edges - and the comfy, deep green leather banquette lining the downstairs bar, create a welcoming atmosphere.
The concept of featuring a different bartender and new cocktail menu each week adds an element of surprise and creativity. Allowing for exploration and discovery, keeping the experience fresh for a weekly visit from the locals. The Waratah Spritz is a refreshing and intriguing addition to the current cocktail menu, blending vodka with Rhubi Mistelle and watermelon and vanilla for a balanced and flavourful profile.
The Waratah offers a multi-faceted dining experience that caters to various preferences and occasions, from casual pub-style dining to a more refined and sophisticated atmosphere in the intimate upstairs dining room. The short but very good menu allows guests to focus on seasonal ingredients from different regions of Australia, adding depth and diversity to the food offer. It's inspiring to see a commitment to showcasing the richness of Australian produce, whether it's the flavours of the Queensland rainforest or using native ingredients like Davidson's Plum and Marigold.
““We’re just trying to think about what we love about Australia – what that looks like on a plate or in a glass. Some of that’s pub-y – all of it’s yum.””
The upstairs verandah provides a relaxed setting for indulging in oysters and an Australian sparkling, offering a perfect spot for leisurely dining and people-watching on lively Victoria Street just beyond the Victorian balustrade.
For vegetarians, the menu offers thoughtful and delicious options, such as the grilled eggplant seasoned with house-made Umami salt – proving to be one of the most popular items on the menu - and fermented potato damper with roast pumpkin and macadamias. Details such as marinating potatoes in Shio Koji seasoning overnight before a beer-battering, ensures an original dining experience.
The dessert offerings are nostalgic and whimsical, evoking Antipodean childhood memories with treats like Mango Weiss bars and Fairy Bread-inspired creations. The use of unique ingredients like caramelized honey from stingless bees and fig-leaf amazake add a sophisticated touch to classics, creating a delightful end to the meal.
The Waratah has settled in nicely to this part of the Darlo ‘hood providing a vibrant and welcoming destination that celebrates the best of Australian cuisine and hospitality. We look forward to introducing future guests to this buzzing new dining room.