LOCATIONLocated at 245 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst on the corner of Sturt Street, one block from Taylor Square towards Paddington.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe tapas trend has swept its way through Sydney, but few tavernas can offer quite an experience like Cantina Bar and Grill on Oxford Street. A unique haven amid the hustle and bustle of the busy dining strip, Cantina offers guests a fun frolic through the Mediterranean; drink your way through Mexico, Chile, Spain and Argentina, and munch across Morocco, Greece, Spain and Portugal. Chef Adam Howe has created a zesty menu, combining traditional flavours with modern techniques and fresh produce. And of course, no visit to Cantina is complete without a tipple from the tempting range of local and international drinks. Start the meal off with a taste of Greece; the pan-fried haloumi topped with marinated red pepper and lemon is divine. Move on to the roast beetroot salad with goat’s cheese dressing, Spanish onion and roasted walnuts for a colourful creation of complementary flavours. And, to truly experience the flavours of Spain, tuck into the crowd favourite paella. Calamari, clams, prawns and mussels share a bed with peas and peppers to create the perfect dish to help absorb all that tequila. Vegetarians are also well catered for. Dessert is a sweet surprise; for something different try the churros – Spanish doughnuts served with a rich chocolate dip.
Cantina is the kind of restaurant where guests linger long after the food has been devoured. Savour a few more slurps on the sangria and enjoy the fun atmosphere. Soft lamps glow on polished wood; the two bars present an alluring display of bottles. Spread over two levels, Cantina can seat up to 120 guests. The fun begins every night from 6pm, plus lunch on Thursdays and Fridays. Cantina is BYO Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights.
Lauren Barker, August 2008
DETAILSClose to a range of other great restaurants, bars and nightclubs, Cantina is right in the middle of everything and there is a good supply of parking available only a short walk away in Darlinghurst Road, Forbes Street and Victoria Street. There is also a public parking station at St Vincent’s Hospital with entry on Victoria Street (open Monday to Thursday until 11:30pm, Friday and Saturday until 1:30am and Sunday until midnight). Combining exceptional food, an impressive drinks list and a very classy upstairs bar and outdoor area, Cantina has everything you need for a great dinner date, fun night out with friends or special occasion function.
FOOD & BEVERAGECantina offers mediterranean tapas – a truly wonderful mix of both hot and cold Spanish, Portuguese, Greek and Moroccan dishes very sensibly priced between $4 and $15. Fully licensed with an extensive range of local and imported (mainly Spanish, Chilean and Argentinean) wines, beer (both draught and bottled), spirits (tequila is their specialty and cocktails. And yes, they definitely serve Sangria!
FUNCTION ROOMTheir upstairs room seats up to 50 for a sit down dinner, a great spot for a private or corporate night out.
