Surry Hills' latest wine bar may be small in size and servings – with 20-or-so seats, a snacky menu of delicate share plates and a carefully curated wine list — but Bar Copains is big on many things. Think flavour, heart and coolness (in a way that isn't intimidating).
'Copains' means 'friends' in French, and fittingly so. It was born from a friendship between chefs Morgan McGlone and Nathan Sasi – and now it continues to thrive as a neighbourhood joint where friendships bloom over a glass of natural wine and some seriously delicious snacks.
For some of us (with more generous spirits) the influx of share-plate menus has been welcomed with open arms. At Bar Copains you can try a Pigs Head Fritti with a zippy gribiche (kind of like a combination of tartar and egg salad) then move on to some stracciatella with truffle honey, perfectly balanced on a crunchy rye cracker. Then, why not a bite of salty anchovy and olive on a bed of puff pastry?
Finish it off with a rich lamb ragu pappardelle followed by some fresh sweet peaches with meringue and cream. The menu changes regularly but one thing is constant, sharing is caring. And here you will want to, and can try it all.
The venue sits on an unassuming corner on Albion street, offering an elevated yet laid-back neighbourhood charm. You can sit out on the leafy street or head inside where the walls are proudly lined with McGlone and Sasi's wine collection.
The decor is paired back but with an intimate and cosy vibe that steers clear of any stuffy pretentiousness. It's a place to bring a special date or reunite with an old friend, but it's not the best spot for a big group — intimacy is key here. So yes, Sydney's Bar Copains may be small, but that is exactly how we like it.
