Cordelia

Overview

Following the success of Don's, a laidback, not-so-serious wine bar in Prahran, with fun gimmicks — such as a rotating 'pasta on a spoon' special and a chicken sandwich that attracts people from near and far — Alex Gavioli and his team set their sights Northside, opening their next venture, Cordelia.

Housed in a corner building on Rathdowne Street, Cordelia's focus is on sustainable seafood, with wines to match. Gavioli's wife, Sarah Freudendal, is responsible for the sleek, Scandi-inspired space, which carries the same easygoing and unpretentious vibes that have made Don's such a popular hang-out spot. 

The kitchen team worked closely with GoodFish, an organisation that helps restaurants source sustainable seafood, to develop more eco-friendly menu items. Notable restaurants that work with GoodFish include the likes of Attica, Cumulus Inc., Farmer's Daughters and Hazel. 

The menu includes fresh fishy bites such as Merimbula Sydney Rock Oysters with blackened lime vinegar, octopus and merguez skewers with espellette and saffron aioli, and marinated sardines with soured cucumber. The dishes are built around whichever fish is fresh, in season, and, where possible, feature lesser-known species. Gold Band Snapper is served with fermented lemon verbena honey, Rainbow Trout is cooked over coal and dressed with capers and chives, and John Dory may be pan-seared with mussels. 

However, Cordelia isn't siloed into a seafood-only corner; there's also pasta, perhaps a casarecce alla Nerano, Falco milk buns with kombu agro dolce, and other considered protein dishes such as a charcoal half chicken with kasundi and Desert Lime. Hot tip: the fish burger, served Wednesday to Friday for lunch, rivals Don's chicken version in crisp and tasty levels. 

Images: Supplied.