PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIARubyos stands apart from the pack of Newtown eateries lined up along King Street, quite literally. Situated at the northern end of King Street, Rubyos is the first restaurant to greet you as you begin your journey into Newtown, serving as a rather lovely welcome party that is difficult to pass up. Housed in an elegant corner terrace, Rubyos is a composition in clean lines, white walls and dark wood, jazzed up with splashes of red and orange. With vibrant works of art adorning the walls and some retro chandeliers that I would have tried to slip under my jacket had they not been bolted to the ceiling, Rubyos is one stylish space. Spend an evening working your way through a menu that takes the concept of grazing to a whole new level.
Call it modern Australian tapas if you prefer, but whatever term you use, chef Jason Lucas’ menu is one to be savoured. I wholeheartedly agree with the notion of grazing; why limit yourself to just one or two dishes when you can grab some friends and have the lot? If it all seems a little overwhelming at first, don’t fret. The staff at Rubyos will talk you through the seasonal menu of hot and cold grazing dishes to ensure that you leave one happy camper. With dishes like spiced king prawn wontons, charred lamb kofta and goats cheese arancini with variations on beetroot, you’ll be hard pressed to know where and when to stop. The wine list boasts some very drinkable drops from Australia and New Zealand but beware the cocktail menu – it’s appealing enough to make even the most devoted of teetotallers jump headfirst off the wagon.
Amy Looker