Bloodwood

Overview

Hidden down the south end of King Street in Newtown, Bloodwood is handy before an Enmore gig and easy to get to from the station. You can grab a seat in the bar or head to the dining area on the upper level of Bloodwood, where bare light bulbs hang both precariously and artistically from the ceiling. The menu, created by head chef and owner Claire Van Vuuren, is eccentric and inventive while still maintaining that homey, hearty feel.

Most of the dishes are designed to share. A fan-favourite is the vegan pecan pâtê served with charred bread, they are also selling these by the jar to take home. There are plenty of other vegetarian dishes like a chickpea pancake with zucchini, peas and feta. Or, the sautéed butternut with cucumber, chilli, coconut and a crunchy hit of puffed rice. For carnivores, there's a hearty braised lamb shoulder served with peperonata, polenta and zhug (a green Yemeni hot sauce) and a fragrant grilled pork with cavolo nero.

The wine list at Bloodwood is also a standout, boasting sustainable, natural wines on a list that's won more than a few critical acclaims. You'll also find several cocktails on the menu, plus beers of the local, international and 'fancy' varieties.

Images: Cassandra Hannagan