LOCATIONJust a stride from Sydney Theatre on Hickson Road, Walsh Bay.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAEven before Firefly Walsh Bay comes into view, you can smell it. And like a siren’s call, this popular pre-theatre dining spot lures hungry people to its tables. Entranced by the flavoursome, warm aroma of sizzling tapas, and the prospect of sampling one of the 78 local and international wines – or 10 cocktails – passers-by venture in to graze from the tasty menu. But, with shared plate options featuring duck and shallot pancakes, chili herb prawns with lime mayo, white anchovies with crostini and agro dolce, and a goat cheese, sweet corn and zucchini fritters stack, as well as an assortment of rustic pizzas and European cheeses, it is easy to become spellbound and forget the time. It is uncertain how many guests, captivated by the mouth-watering flavours and the good-humoured nature of the staff, lingered a tad too long and neglected the theatre – my guess is a few. But I doubt any of them would have regretted it.
However, for people who are determined not to miss the show – or did not have the foresight to book a table – Firefly Walsh Bay has recently installed a “first come, first serve” bar dining area. Sitting on a raised platform at the back of the restaurant, and overlooking the petite-but-airy dining floor, and the bobbing yachts of the bay, it’s the ideal way to enjoy a quick bite and move on – if you can. Naturally, if you choose to stay, the perfect way to finish off is with a dessert. The trio of creme brulee (espresso, vanilla and rhubarb), bread and butter pudding and the dessert of the day are particularly appealing options. If the decision is too challenging, however, the “dessert platter to share” offers all three.
Agnes Gajewska
Tip:Arrive in style with
Water Taxis
