Fireflies

LOCATION
On the corner of Newry Street, two blocks from Alexandra Parade and a short walk from Brunswick Street.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Housed in a beautifully lit historic building on a prominent North Fitzroy corner, this wine bar and restaurant stands out like a beacon to those seeking victuals and lodging (if only for a few hours) in cosy, welcoming surrounds. The desire to enter is reinforced within. Warm, ambient lighting and lounge seating offer a strong temptation to slip into the comfortable leather seats, order a crisp Viognier or smooth Sangiovese and sample the excellent tapas menu. More formal, restaurant-style seating is available toward the back and there is a small, charming alfresco courtyard to offer still more dining options. The menu is equally flexible, with small dishes available to accompany a few drinks, larger portions which can be combined for more substantial dining or functions or vegetarian, meat or seafood paella available for one or more people.

There’s a good mix of well known tapas dishes as well as some interesting variations and the menu changes regularly to embrace fresh, seasonal produce. Try traditional favourites such as pan-fried chorizo or spiced meatballs with rich tomato sauce or something different such as chicken marinated in cumin and lime, lamb cutlets with sweet potato mash and sweet balsamic reduction or roasted beetroot and potato salad with Greek yoghurt and spring onion. There are several seafood options such as crispy fried whitebait, mussels, grilled Harvey Bay scallops and sizzling garlic and chilli prawns. Eggplant chips, coated in breadcrumbs, sesame seeds and parmesan and served with garlic and mustard aioli are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Fitting in somewhere between a bar and restaurant with a very decent wine list, great food and enthusiastic staff, Fireflies makes an ideal escape for a mid-week drink, an intimate dinner or a small function.

Angela Costanzo