Overview
Woollahra's beloved Buzo has a new name and a new semi-casual identity (as if an ex-Bentley chef could really go casual). If you've eaten there during the past year, you'll have noticed the menu creeping away from its traditional Italian roots towards modern Australian flavours.
Now, owners Mark Campbell and Phillip Fikkers (who also own Potts Point's Macleay St. Bistro) are taking the eatery wholeheartedly in this direction. Relaunching as Jersey Rd. Bistro, the restaurant now focuses on more light, casual dishes — with lower price tags to match.
Head chef Jason Dean (ex-Bentley, Est. and London's The Greenhouse) isn't going anywhere. Having taken over the kitchen a year ago, he's been responsible for its evolution. And now, he's enlisted the help of mighty sous chef Chris Cho (ex-Oscillate Wildly).
One of the most tempting additions is a long Sunday brunch. Served from 10am till 3pm, it's packed with unusual hangover cures, such as fried duck egg with duck jerky, spiced quinoa, pumpkin and shallot, to be matched with a Bloody Mary, Pol Roger or Belgian beer.
Starters on the daily menu include red cabbage crackers with parmesan custard and scallop carpaccio with jalapeño, capsicum, saffron and orange. Among the mains are roasted lamb rump with potato, zucchini, macadamia and mint, as well as confit kingfish with black lentils, celery, sour cream and radish. For those who can't make up their minds, there's a seven-course Bistro Banquet for $75 per person (could be a hot new contender for inclusion in our favourite Sydney degustations under $100).
Regulars might be relieved to know that Wednesday's BYO night isn't going anywhere. Bring your own bottle for a one-off corkage charge of $14 (not the cheapest corkage in the city, but relatively well-priced). Meanwhile, on the cocktail list, you'll find a handful of Champagne-based concoctions, including bellinis, mimosas, Old Cubans, alongside further reliable classics.
Jersey Rd. also has multiple dining spaces. On the rooftop, you'll find the restaurant's urban kitchen garden, crowded with mint, basil and heirloom varieties. If you're not up for a sit-down meal, hit the downstairs bar for tipples and snacks, such as fried kipfler potatoes with white anchovy, black olive and saffron aioli, plus chicken liver parfait with raspberry, fennel and grilled sourdough. Farewell, Buzo.
Find Jersey Rd. Bistro at 3 Jersey Road, Woollahra. Opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm and Sundays from 10am-3pm. Bookings at (02) 9328 1600 or reservations@jerseyrdbistro.com.au.