Bartiga Is Double Bay's Sunny New Southeast Asian Restaurant and Neighbourhood Bar
A former Tetsuya's chef leads the way at this sunny corner spot offering XO pipi linguine, red curry bug rolls and beef rendang sausage rolls.
Double Bay has welcomed an exciting new corner restaurant and bar to the former Cafe Perons space on Bay Street. Bartiga comes from co-owners Charlie Kelly and Head Chef Faheem Noor, arriving in Sydney's east with a menu inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine that the team describes as "modern yet not defined".
The Kelly family have operated out of the site for more than four decades, with Charlie taking over the reins from his mum Vicky, who was in charge of the beloved cafe before him. With its latest iteration, the kitchen has shifted to focus on flavour-packed eats from an accomplished Sydney chef paired with an impressive list of wines and cocktails.
"Double Bay has had its ups and downs, but the current atmosphere is the most exciting it's ever been," says Charlie Kelly on the ambitions for the venue and neighbourhood. "With visionaries like Charles Melic, Double Bay is poised to compete with the likes of James Street and Rodeo Drive."
Noor brings experience from the bustling kitchens of Tetsuya's, Empire Lounge and Gordon Ramsay's Maze, unveiling a slate of dishes that nod to classic flavours as well as more trendy modern menu staples. The tried and tested Moreton Bay bug roll is given a makeover with the addition of red curry pesto, and comfort foods from across the globe collide with the barbecued prawn tom yum spaghetti.
Other signature menu items to keep an eye out for when venturing to Bartiga include the MB4 scotch fillet topped with an Asian herb chimichurri and crispy onions, beef rendang sausage rolls, XO pipi linguine, prawn toast sandos, and spiced chicken wrapped in pandan leaves.
Accompanying the dining options is a crowd-pleasing drinks menu. Alex Cameron (Franca) has curated the wine list, with 80 different drops listed under both 'Classics' and 'Future Classics'.
Rounding out the offerings is a playful cocktail menu that's been created with some help from Vincent Valliere, owner of Byron Bay's Casa Luna. Sweet tooths should look no further than the banana and vanilla espresso martini, while those that like their drink a little more stiff can opt for the Skyfall — a combination of whisky, amaretto, macadamia liqueur and bitters.
Double Bay residents who used to frequent Cafe Perons can also still drop in for their daily caffeine fix. Branded Bartiga Express, the restaurant is open from 7am for takeaway cappuccinos and flat whites, using beans from specialty roasters ONA Coffee.
For now Bartiga is just open for dinners from 5pm, but as things ramp up you can expect lunch to be added to the fold from 12pm each day.
Bartiga is found at the corner of Short and Bay Street, Double Bay. Head to the restaurant's website to make a booking.
Images: Jude Cohen and James Pellegrino
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