The Victoria Room

When I approached the bar, the dazzling smile and palpable warmth of Kelly set my night onto the right track. Guess what? She makes cocktails too! A new sugar cane press had me choosing a nicely balanced Sugar Daddy ($19) garnished with a chewable cane. It’s my sixth visit, and I can conclusively say, this venue sets out to make sure your experience is positive. The low light and intimacy created through bric-a-brac still charms me. The food they serve suits the space – it’s interesting, but you’re here for more than just a menu. Proscuitto di Panna, aged Parmesan Reggiano and Grissini Sticks ($15) are simplicity personified. Kudos to the chef who left it at just adding crisp, house-made grissini sticks. The Tasting Plate ($31) represents good value and a fair amount of work. It avoids fried foods, presents vegetarian frittata in an innovative and tasty way, and includes their great Kingfish carpaccio; it even wins on a moist, tasty chicken skewer. A sharing bowl of Calamari Fritti ($14) will last you and a friend about as long as a litre of their well thought out Red Sangria ($30/L). Chorizo ($16) is mild and on the sweeter side, but not without charm.

The Victoria Room
Level 1, 235 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
Ph: (02) 9357 4488 www.thevictoriaroom.com
Modern Australian $$$