Li'l Darlin Crows Nest

Overview

Following the success of its lively Surry Hills restaurant, Li'l Darlin has launched a northern Sydney sibling, serving inventive cocktails and share plates to a whole new side of Sydney. With a formula that has been fine-tuned for over a decade, the Crows Nest bar and restaurant has brought the same playful yet affordable vibes to a different side of the bridge.

Just like its inner-city senior, Li'l Darlin's second location is doing $12.50 happy hour offers. Here, you'll also find Taco Tuesday on the menu, where patrons can grab $12 margaritas and $6 tacos; Wine Down Wednesdays, with $7 wines and beers plus $12.50 tapas; and Clocked Off Thursdays, complete with $12.50 negronis, espresso martinis, Aperol spritzes and old fashioneds. Keeping things wallet-friendly is the name of the game at Li'l Darlin, aiming to provide a night out that won't break the bank.

Experienced Surry Hills patrons will recognise some familiar items on the handcrafted cocktail list, like the oh-so-popular Fairy Floss Martini. New drinks have been added to the menu, however, including Gin There Done That (with gin, lychee, kiwi, prosecco and lemon), Better the Devil You Know (tequila, coconut, chilli schnapps, lime and a chilli-salted rim) and It Takes 2 to Mango (spiced rum, mango, lemon and mango sorbet). The venue is also hosting cocktail masterclasses and bottomless brunches.

Li'l Darlin's Crows Nest food menu focuses on communal plates and tapas. Order a burrata and prosciutto plate, arancini balls or Peking duck pancakes for the group, or go with sizzling chilli prawns and pizzas.

Located near the new Crows Nest Metro station — which was one of the inspirations for doubling Li'l Darlin's footprint — the North Sydney venue also boasts a larger space for parties and other celebrations, catering to 60–80 guests, with a further expansion planned.