Sandstone in Sydney indicates either history or brand-new builds. Most, if not all of Sydney's heritage buildings are predominantly sandstone, but so are newer constructions like much of the recently-opened Sydney Metro line. In some cases, it can be indicative of both, or at least that's the case for Pitt Street's self-acclaimed 'dine bar' Ennui. This wine bar-restaurant hybrid (hence, dine bar) is housed in the unassuming sandstone building on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, across the intersection from Belmore Park. The digs hark back to 1864, but Ennui is the latest (and possibly greatest) in its long line of residents, headed up by three close mates and alumni of Love, Tilly Devine. Having opened in 2024 you'd be forgiven for being unfamiliar, but anyone with a love of fine French food and wine should absolutely amend this oversight. The food menu treads heavy and light in equal parts, ranging from dainty starters like Sydney rock oysters with champagne sauce and finger lime or polenta with sage mayo and puffed sorghum to hefty house specials like the duck Ennui with bone sauce, beets and strawberry or wagyu MB5+ sirloin. You've got two spaces to enjoy your meal in, with the cosier downstairs space resembling an inner-city wine bar while the first floor feels more like a classic dining room. While French, Australian, Italian and German wine is the house specialty when it comes to the drinks, it's by no means your only option. There's a selection of beer and a whisky list penned by co-owner and enthusiast Peter Chan. On the cocktails front, a range of house specials and classics are on offer. Try the Ennui Old Fashioned with duck-fat washed bourbon, honey and five spice, or the Milk Punch with cognac, Amaretto, Biscoff, cacao and whey. If those sound too adventurous, we wouldn't blame you for opting for a simpler negroni or Toki Whisky highball.
