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    The Wine Library

    4.2 (24 reviews)
    ModerateWine Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Wine Library Photos

    THE WINE LIBRARY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - The Wine Library

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    Paul J.

    I'm not really supposed to be drinking wine since it aggravates my acid reflux (too much information?), but I will cave in for an exceptional wine bar. The Wine Library was the exception this week. More than just a wine bar, this sultry restaurant oozes sophistication with an older clientele and professional (though not as friendly as I would have liked) staff. It is dimly lit with bookshelves stocked to the brim with wines of all types, each displaying their bold silhouettes through an orange glow. The place was packed with professionals looking to work their way through the custom-made catalogue of international wines. Although it was crowded, I felt very comfortable and had plenty of space to fling around my wine glass during enthusiastic conversation. The tapas style menu is filled with divine made-to-order specials, some of which are made right in front of you if you're sitting at the bar. While there's definitely a Mediterranean theme, there are also hints of French and even American Southern cuisine showing up. I chuckled at the ridiculous price of the grits, which any Southerner will tell you is usually the cheapest thing around. While the food being cooked and plated in front of me looked scrumptious, I decided to go straight for the tiramisu. Didn't regret it one bit.

    It's been a long time coming but I finally managed to visit The Wine Library at the Paddington end of Oxford Street. With a spring in my step, I entered and within thirty seconds was back out on the footpath. It's not all bad though. Upon entry I was greeted by a friendly staff member who informed my companion and I that there would be a twenty minute wait for a spot, so he took my number and we went to a near by establishment to have what can only be described as a 'pre dinner settler'. Nearing the end of that 'twenty minute wait' we received a call telling us our name was up and for the second time that night, we entered The Wine Library. A cool small bar split into two parts. A small(er) bar at the front and another small seating area at the back. And by small, I mean it probably fits 50 people at once. We were lead to our seats which happened to be at the bar and given our waiter for the night. The seats at the bar were great, our new waiter was not as friendly as the previous chap. It was nothing to get worked up about but clearly it hadn't been a good night for him. We were handed our food and drinks menu. Resting the food menu aside for the time being we browsed the drinks menu which coincidentally was full of wines. I'm sure there were other options on there but to be honest I can't fully recall. I will be sure to double check next time round. For a couple of novice wine drinkers there was plenty to choose from and we settled on a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio each. It was now time for the food menu and upon perusal stumbled across some great little items, primarily to share. An array of panini, morsels and charcuterie plates mixed with hot foods, fresh seafood, salads, desserts and cheeses. A couple of fresh oysters, a plate of scallops, cured trout and lamb gozleme won out on the day. And all were great. Even better as they were washed down with a second glass of the Pinot Grigio. Quite content with what we had, we skipped the dolci and fromages although there were several options to be had of each. Maybe next time! Sitting at the bar, you see it all happen in front of you and if you can, it's highly recommended but I'm sure nothing will be lost sitting elsewhere. It's a place that is buzzing, once you finally get in. All in all and for around $70 for two, it was worth the wait. Hopefully it won't be as long till the next visit.

    Ana S.

    There are no books, just wine (and some great food). The warm spaces inside the wine library are perfect for meeting up with a couple of friends to share a intimate conversation over a glass of wine paired with a soft, warm quesadilla of truffle and creamy stracchino. The bar is open and the leads to a small back room and narrow patio section. This place feels and is grown up. The wine selection is superb and the tapas menu completes the ambiance. We usually sit at a table in the back section which is much quieter than the bar. the staff is very friendly and manage the place with great efficiency and style even when it gets busy. Highly recommended if you want grown up drink in a grown up bar.

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    Review Highlights - The Wine Library

    It's been a long time coming but I finally managed to visit The Wine Library at the Paddington end of Oxford Street.

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    Love Tilly Devine

    Love Tilly Devine

    4.5(18 reviews)
    2.2 kmDarlinghurst
    $$$

    Great little wine bar is a back lane of Darlo ! Perfect for a casual date or a catchup with a…read morefriend :-) There cheese food platter is to die for - very generous portions for 24$ with delicious grilled bread and slices of pear / walnuts. There wine list is huge - do not hesitate to try something different and ask for advice as they are passionate about their wines and knowledgable !

    Tilly Devine comes in a small package but packs a punch, it's tucked away in Crown Lane, and can be…read more a bit difficult to locate amidst the small eateries around lower Darlinghurst, so bring you're phone to guide you. The cute bar staff with their hipster big rimmed glasses, styled hair, and low-rise skinny jeans, are not only very attractive, but offer up some acute knowledge on the origins of their wine list, and bar food. To start we were sheltered from the horrible weather outside, to a small thin table, which was a tad too long for proper conversation. Although, with olives and bread, good wine and good music (although a bit too loud) there wasn't much room left for an intimate conversation. We shared 3 plates, starting with the Burrawong duck's liver pate with sweet and sour onions for $14, which was smooth and divine, although the onions were a bit on the small side. Second we had buffalo Mozzarella with shaved prosciutto for $15 which melted in the mouth, the creamy cheese was godly. Third we enjoyed the Sashimi style Whitebait served with olive oil, lemon juice, and mint, thinly layered and served, it was sweet and tangy from the acidic lemon, and smoothly soft in texture. The wine list was amazing, and next time I will get the waitress to explain to me each wine of choice, as the extensive menu put's a damper on being indecisive.

    Photos
    Love Tilly Devine - Art shot of kitchen sink

    Art shot of kitchen sink

    Love Tilly Devine
    Love Tilly Devine - Glass of sparkling

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    Glass of sparkling

    Urban Winery Sydney - Head winemaker Alex Retief

    Urban Winery Sydney

    3.7(3 reviews)
    0.7 km

    There's a new winery in town! There's always lots of cool places you come across in St Peter's and…read morethe Urban Winery Sydney is no exception. Located just off 75 Mary Street, this place is a little hard to find and you probably won't stumble across it by chance as it's located a little back from the main road. Went there for a birthday party and the winery has a great setup, especially for a private party. This is a working winery where the grapes are brought into and you can see all the machinery that is used to make the wines. There are barrels in neat rows stacked 3 high and rows and rows of wine bottles along one side of the wall. Below are some detailed instructions on how to find the place. Entry via 70 Edith St: Enter the gates at 70 Edith St, in 20 metres turn right at the T intersection. The winery is 20m ahead on the left. Entry via 75 Mary St: Enter the driveway at 75 Mary St, in 20 metres follow the road left, keep straight, in 50m, follow the road right. In 20m turn left at the T intersection. The winery is 20m ahead on the left.

    We had a great time at the Urban Winery last night. I…read morebooked 5:30 - 6:45pm for 20 people so that we could meet up before a show. The team confirmed the booking and stayed open late to cater for us, accommodating everyone's arrival times and needs. We also tasted a bunch of great wines. Thanks for helping to make our night so special!

    Photos
    Urban Winery Sydney - Wine Bar and Cellar Door at the new home of The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park open daily from 12pm

    Wine Bar and Cellar Door at the new home of The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park open daily from 12pm

    Urban Winery Sydney - Filled to the brim French Oak Barrels and tanks at Urban Winery Sydney in The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

    Filled to the brim French Oak Barrels and tanks at Urban Winery Sydney in The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

    Urban Winery Sydney - Head winemaker Alex Retief and owner of Urban Winery Sydney in full swing during 2018 harvest

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    Head winemaker Alex Retief and owner of Urban Winery Sydney in full swing during 2018 harvest

    Fico

    Fico

    4.8(5 reviews)
    1.6 kmSurry Hills
    $$

    This is one of my favourite spots in Sydney - good luck finding it though because it's hidden and…read moreif you didn't know it existed you'd walk past thinking it's just another terrace style building in Surry Hills.... Once you do find it - you're in for a treat! This gorgeous wine bar dripping in red mood lights and couches makes you feel like you're part of a sophisticated Mafia group - that only the whose who knows about. They take their wine very seriously and snob will be satisfied to know their inner sommelier will be satisfied. They have a small snack menu to compliment your drinks - mezze plates, potatoes fritters, croquettes - simple dishes to keep your hunger at bay as you enjoy a good glass and sip on the good life!

    Of all the wine bars popping up across Sydney, this is my favourite!…read more Created by the owners of Surry Hills favourite Italian restaurant II Baretto and located just one block away, Fico is more than a holding pen for diners waiting to get at table at the sister restaurant, it's a destination in its own right. This truly is a hidden gem, from the minute you step inside Fico you are transported to a chilled out amazing little world full of sumpuous italian wine and scrumptious tapas share plates. There's plenty on offer here with nibbles such as olives and calamari as well as all the antipasto, meat and cheese plates you could wish for. And don't even get me started on the wine list! Also it's worth noting that are you are waiting on a table at II Baretto you can take your bottle of wine with you to the restaurant! If you love nothing more than kicking back with an amazing wine and delicious nibbles, you really need look no further. Fico is an absolute delight!

    Photos
    Fico - Back bar

    Back bar

    Fico - Dinning at front area

    Dinning at front area

    Fico - Fico Function

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    Fico Function

    Mistelle

    Mistelle

    4.7(3 reviews)
    1.6 km

    Pop on that beret and Sharpie on a pencil mustache because it's like a sorcerer sliced out a little…read morestreetside piece of Paris and spliced it into Kiaora lane in Double Bay because where else dahlink? I was jazzed up and frothing for the twice-baked Gruyere souffle with crab and caviar but that thing was a let-down, maybe my expectations were way off base because in my head I was picturing a bowl filled with melty hot cheesy gooey goodness and what came out was a puffy cake type thing topped with pate, and hey, it's not their fault that I don't know what a souffle is. But let me tell you, friends, the steak tartare made up for this. It was astonishing, the combination they nailed with the minced steak and the egg and the right amount of seasoning and bite, it took me back to that time in Montmarte with that girl that didn't eat meat so I got to eat the entire tartare and that's exactly how it should have been because I wouldn't have shared anyway. We also got the buffalo mozarella tomato salad, also great, and a bottle of a crisp South African white that had me buzzing like wasp. Got a hot date? This is your huckleberry, everyone was dressed up, the couples seats outside on the pavement are where you want to be, although sitting at the bar is also a good option. It's a pretty classy place, wear your good pants.

    Mistelle is a little gem located in Kiora Lane Double Bay. When you are walking past, you can't…read moremiss it with the sleek black and white chairs out the front and the ice chest full of Ruinart. Come on in and let the knowledgeable staff show you how to pair your meals with champagne from entree right through to dessert. The atmosphere here is very relaxed yet stylish and the decor transports you to an elegant time where good meals and good drinks are available. We managed to get the table in the back for a tasting menu of food and champagne. We started with an antipasto plate and a glass of mistelle. Mistelle is a liqueur that tastes like a palate cleanser and is bright and vibrant. This was brilliant with the salami and lucienne bread stick. For our first course we had spanner crab & lobster salad with seared scallops, drizzled with shellfish infused oil and a port reduction & pickled fennel side. The scallop was cooked deliciously. And the fact that it was topped with a perfectly poached quail egg made the dish. This dish was paired with a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc - a delicious champagne from the oldest champagne house in France made with Chardonnay grapes. It was refreshing and was a great accompaniment to the seafood based salad, most certainly a champagne you want more than one glass of. This was followed by a course of steak tartar and fries. We were interested by this dish as it is not one that comes up on menu often, yet it is a complex and extremely flavoursome bite. We loved it. This time Mistelle paired the dish with a glass of Pol Roger. It was interesting having the staff explain how good champagne is with a light seafood dish and then having them serve up a heavier meat dish and more champagne. The style of this champagne though balanced the flavours and style of the steak tartar. Next up was one of my favourite meats - duck. It is rich and when cooked well is moist and delicious. Mistelle does a brilliant pan fried duck that is accompanied by a celeriac purée, dutch carrots, broad beans and flavoured with a raspberry jus. The colour of this duck was pink and it tasted delicious, my favourite dish of the night for sure. Paired with a Brut rose from the youngest champagne house in the world - Brincourt. At this point I stopped questioning the different champagnes and realised that paired correctly with the meals, makes them appropriate with any meal - not just as a starter or at the end of an evening. To finish with we had a beautiful Brie cheese, that was creamy and smooth and another glass of Ruinart, this time one of their non-vintage. A very strong finish to what were 4 fabulous dishes with matching champagnes. The staff here are passionate about everything they do and all that they serve up. The combination of formal dining, bar seating and an outdoor area means that this place has something for everyone. The first date or business dinner, those wanting to unwind after a tough day or simply those that like to sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that runs through Kiora Lane. Happy Hour here is another draw card - $2 oysters, $15 cocktails on Wednesday - Friday from 3-6pm. This is a beautiful place, with fine food and owners that are genuinely enthused about their product and will pair your choices so that you have an amazing experience. Put it on your list.

    Photos
    Mistelle
    Mistelle
    Mistelle

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    The Wine Library - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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