Anada
This sexy tapas bar serving reimagined peasant food of Andalusia in the south of Spain with an extensive wine and sherry list.
Overview
Añada, the first Melbourne venue we saw from Jesse Gerner (The Aylesbury, St Ali North), is one of those consistently solid venues. Since its opening in 2008, it remains one of those eateries that keeps drawing you back. Tucked into Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, it's known for its intimate atmosphere, beautiful Andalusian (southern Spanish) food and considered wine list.
The menu is all about tasting and sharing. It is divided into tapas, charcuteria, raciones and desserts, so there is a lot to take in. Start off with some seared tuna with pickled green tomato and padron pepper sauce, move on to pan-seared market fish with jamon and seaweed butter sauce or hanger steak with pine nut picada and mustard greens.
For smaller share plates, go for the guindilla and manchego croquetta, lamb pinchos and house chorizo with roasted grapes and cider. Finish off your meal with a classic Basque cheesecake, a refreshing lemon myrtle and eucalyptus sorbet or a sweet leche merengada parfit with honeycomb and bee pollen. If you can't decide, there's always the option to go for the chef's choice tasting menu.
On the drinks list, you'll find an extensive sherry and wine collection with plenty of classic Spanish drops with Rioja tempranillo making frequent appearances. Or opt for signature cocktails like the Auroa Oloroso, made with fig liqueur and sherry
Añada is welcoming and warm and makes you feel like you're tucked into a tapas bar off the beaten track in Spain. You might find yourself falling in love with it all over again.