Overview
Already a go-to for affordable European spreads, Paddington's Nota has now added a wine bar to the mix. Three years after first opening at 224 Given Terrace, the inner-west restaurant has taken over the space next door, turning it into your next favourite vino-swilling spot.
Still present: the exposed brick walls and mirrors aplenty, as Nota has boasted ever since it took over fine diner Montrachet's old Paddington digs after the beloved French eatery moved shop. Now, under the rebadged name Nota Restaurant & Wine Bar, the venue is pairing those eye-catching surroundings with a dedicated area to enjoy tipples — with or without a bite to eat.
First announced earlier in 2022 and now up and running, the revamped Nota has become a 90-seater, and has knocked down the adjoining wall between its two spaces so that patrons can mosey between them. On the bar side, you'll find a five-metre wall of wines, wines and more wines. Warm lighting sets the mood, a bar snack menu will keep your stomach from rumbling, and the full Nota menu is also available.
Owners Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort (ex-Moda) have also enlisted Italian-born, French-trained Head Chef Matteo Pisanu to take care of the kitchen. On the menu: oysters, savoury churros with anchovies, cheeseburger spring rolls and tempura fish sandwiches among the smaller options; plus beef carpaccio, scallops burrata, spanner crab pasta and more.
As for all that vino, restaurant manager Yanika Sittisuntorn has grown Nota's range from 12 bottles upon opening to 90-plus now, and is particularly fond of lesser-known and experimental varieties.
Find NotaRestaurant & Wine Bar at 224 Given Terrace, Paddington — open 6pm–late on Tuesday, 4pm–late on Wednesday–Thursday and 12pm–late Friday–Saturday.
Images: Markus Ravik.