Fancy a good glass of wine after a day at the beach? Coogee locals Tom Hardwick and Michelle Morales certainly do, and their new venue — Coogee Wine Room — lets you do just that. Taking cues from the bustling wine bars of Europe, Coogee Wine Room is a post-beach go-to for the eastern suburbs. It's opened along Coogee Bay Road, just one block up from the ocean.
As to be expected, the team is taking its wine game very seriously. The 500-strong list has been expertly curated with years of experience. A list of that stature may seem overwhelming but the friendly staff will be sure to help you out to pick the perfect drop.
In the kitchen, Head Chef Greg Humphry is plating up a succinct, Mediterranean-style menu. The food is seasonal with a focus on local produce, but some fan favourites remain constant like smoked hummus, pork sliders, and the iconic CWR steak rated one of the best steaks in Sydney.
Local design studio Tom Mark Henry is behind the Coogee Wine Room fit-out, which spans two storeys and — as goes the trend — maintains an industrial vibe. Expect exposed brick walls, concrete floors and a black steel staircase, along with warm timber tones, wraparound banquettes and marble finishes. Downstairs, you'll find the causal front bar — perfect for post-beach wines — while the slightly larger upstairs dining room is primed for long lunches.
Images: Steven Woodburn.