Where's Nick

Overview

Focusing on natural and minimal intervention wines, Where's Nick is a sign of things to come in Sydney's wine bar market, and also for the suburb of Marrickville. The area has seen a slate of new operators heading in recently, and the brothers — Julian and Dominic Abouzeid — behind the new venue took over a cake shop after noticing the area had an up and coming market and little competition. They kept the cake shop sign out the front but the long bar, bottle display and chalk board of wines by the glass let you know things have changed.

It's said that wine with less chemicals gives you less of a hangover (we can't make any promises), so, with that in mind, pick from the rotating selection of 25 wines which feature small and sustainable producers. For anyone who isn't sure if they buy into the natural wine movement, Where's Nick is a good place to start. After all, it did win Wine Bar of the Year in 2019 for a reason. Now, award winning sommelier Bridget Raffal (Formerly at Sixpenny) is running the bar while the brothers keep next door at the Goblin Wine Shop, ready for all your takeaway needs.

The menu by head chef Leila Khazma is Mediterranean inspired. It's snack-centred with plates made to share. Think a crunchy and rich potato galette with confit artichoke and a creamy pecorino custard. Or, keep it simple with some house-made focaccia with extra-virgin olive oil.

Images: Kitti Smallbone