Overview
Joining the ranks of North Sydney's flourishing food and beverage scene is Bar Lettera, a lavish new venue sporting a modern Australian and Italian fusion menu. As of this month, North Sydney has officially established itself as a new dining precinct with the launch of UpTown — the CBD's up-and-coming district set to revitalise the area — and restaurant launches like Bar Lettera to expand the district's dining options.
Opening its doors on Saturday, April 27, the North Sydney newcomer will boast an all-day food and drink offering from inside the lavish Citadines Walker North Sydney hotel. Led by Head Chef Ryan Perry (ex-The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo), the aim is to celebrate the best of Australian produce.
"North Sydney is a brilliant place to do an opening as there's a real opportunity to elevate the local dining scene," said Perry. "Bar Lettera is all about honest ingredients, there's no hiding."
The concept behind Bar Lettera's menu is to revamp Italian classics, curating inventive dishes where local produce shines. Perry's take on a caprese salad features heirloom tomato with kombu oil and Geraldton wax, while the fritto misto is a deep-fried bay bug paired with a semolina crust and XO sauce. The Head Chef's personal favourite is a Wollemi duck rag rigatoni accompanied by a Davidson plum gin sauce.
The drinks selection offers sips that also reimagine the classics using native Australian ingredients and art-fuelled inspiration, while the wine list consists of local drops honouring their European heritage. Expect the likes of a Granjoux Chardonnay from Beechworth and a Joshua Cooper Cabernet Sauvignon.
As for the fitout, Sophie Jordan, the director of Jordan Design Studio, has brought the chic 90-seat space to life. Also drawing from North Sydney's local artistic heritage, the restaurant takes inspiration from Australia's first female sculpturist, Theodora Cowan, and the apartment of a modern-day artist. Bar Lettera dons an inviting light pink hue, taking reference from the Aussie landscape, paired with smooth marble, raw hardwood and ceramic sculptures.
"We use pendants within the canopy to throw a welcoming warm glow in tandem with inviting table lamps," said Jordan. "Intricate lighting fixtures illuminate the travertine stone bar to infuse a sense of warmth, inviting guests to linger and savour every moment."
You'll find Bar Lettera on the mezzanine floor (level 5) of the Citadines Walker North Sydney at 88 Walker Street, open daily from 7–10.30am for breakfast, 12–2.30pm for lunch and 5–8.30pm for dinner.
Image credit: Born Social.