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Eat Street Sydney: 10 things to eat in Double Bay

THIS upmarket harbourside suburb 4km east of Sydney’s CBD is renowned for exclusive boutiques. However, it also offers an array of dining options.

Head chef Shekhar Aryal heads up Niji at Double Bay. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Head chef Shekhar Aryal heads up Niji at Double Bay. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

THIS upmarket harbourside suburb 4km east of Sydney’s CBD is renowned for exclusive boutiques. However, it also offers an array of dining options.

Take a tour of the area’s best eateries right here with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street.

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Flaming salmon maki roll at Niji. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Flaming salmon maki roll at Niji. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Niji’s tuna tar tar stays chilled on a bed of ice.
Niji’s tuna tar tar stays chilled on a bed of ice.

Niji Restaurant & Bar

THERE’S an element of theatrics with much of the menu at Niji. But rather than overshadowing the food, it serves to enhance the flavours and experience.

Using an innovative approach to traditional izakaya cuisine, chef Shekhar Aryal, formerly of Surry Hills’ Toko, delivers dishes such as the chilled tuna tar tar with soy truffle dressing artistically served in a glass dish surrounded by crispy lotus roots, all atop a large bowl of crushed ice. A house favourite, and recent addition to the menu is the flaming salmon maki roll, which is set alight at your table and as the flames diminishes, leaves a warm caramelised crust. A definite must. — 21 Bay St

Elbon owners Andew Lowlett and Natalie McDonald have customers throughout Sydney.
Elbon owners Andew Lowlett and Natalie McDonald have customers throughout Sydney.

Elbon Coffee

BESIDES a fresh lick of paint, not much has changed in this tucked-away shop that has been serving up fresh coffee since the 1950s. There’s no trendy furniture or funky light fixtures needed to give this place an added buzz as the cheerful owners Andrew Lowlett and Natalie McDonald fill the tiny space with plenty of personality, leaving just enough space for their coffee roaster and the queue of regulars that heads out the door. And it’s not just locals who come in for their fix, with customers driving from all parts of Sydney to stock up on Andrew’s freshly roasted beans. — Shop 6, 402 New South Head Rd

Salmon and avocado salad at Redleaf, complete with harbour backdrop. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Salmon and avocado salad at Redleaf, complete with harbour backdrop. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Richard Tainsh and Susanne Kirby find a perfect spot at Redleaf for backgammon.
Richard Tainsh and Susanne Kirby find a perfect spot at Redleaf for backgammon.

Redleaf Cafe

IT boasts one of Sydney’s nicest swimming spots with its small sandy beach and stellar views of Sydney Harbour. It is also home to a little cafe that during the summer months can serve more than 1000 people a day, cafe manager Swavek Danysz says.

But come winter, when the water turns icy cold, guest numbers drop down to a handful, making this spot above the water a tranquil setting for sipping coffee, reading the paper or paying a round of backgammon. Enjoy a salmon and avocado salad with a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice while you catch up on those books you had planned to read last summer. — 536 New South Head Rd

Stephany Cuellar with seriously decadent offerings including a pinata cake at Scrumptious.
Stephany Cuellar with seriously decadent offerings including a pinata cake at Scrumptious.
Scrumptious Chocolates and Cakes. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Scrumptious Chocolates and Cakes. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Scrumptious Chocolates and Cakes

THERE is a moment of trepidation when it comes to digging into these artistic cakes, but the lure of all the lollies that will be inside is just too great, which is when the frenzy begins. Commonly known now as “smash cakes”, these decadent cakes have become the centrepiece of parties, wedding included. Even the most elaborate ones can be filled with sweets of all sorts, depending on what the client is after. How you get to the inside is part of the fun. “They’re pinata cakes,” says shop assistant Stephany Cuellar, coyly implying that things could get messy — in the most delightful way possible of course. — Shop 2, 4 Cross St

Ocean freshness with the grilled octopus salad from Pink Salt.
Ocean freshness with the grilled octopus salad from Pink Salt.
Pink Salt’s particular take on lamb ribs. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Pink Salt’s particular take on lamb ribs. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Pink Salt

THE grilled octopus and spanakopita are listed under “Fare to Share” on this Greek-influenced menu, but you’ll be tempted to hoard these tasty dishes. Fortunately, the portions are generous so you can indeed share them around and try everyone else’s selection as well. It’s no all about the entrees’ sizes either. Go for a larger plate of the lamb ribs to continue the communal meal, but save room for the amazingly creative desserts that cleverly channel owner Evan Hansimikali’s Greek heritage. — 53 Cross St

WHEN IN DOUBLE BAY, YOU MUST TRY ...

Double baked gruyere, crab and caviar souffle.
Double baked gruyere, crab and caviar souffle.

Double baked gruyere, crab and caviar souffle

THERE’D be a semi revolt if co-owner Alicia Wadsworth ever decided to take the double-baked gruyere souffle with sand crab, bisque and caviar off the menu. — Mistelle, 16 Kiaora Lane

Roast veal knuckle at Twenty-One Espresso. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Roast veal knuckle at Twenty-One Espresso. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Roast veal knuckle

A DOUBLE Bay institution with customers from day one enjoying the hearty Hungarian Roast Veal Knuckle with red cabbage and mashed potatoes. — Twenty-One Espresso, 21 Knox St

Nutella brioche at Bake Bar. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski
Nutella brioche at Bake Bar. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Nutella brioche

YOU’LL need to get in early to score yourself one of these. The flaky exterior encases a soft and doughy centre of either Nutella or cinnamon and brown sugar. — Bake Bar, Shop 15, 451 New South Head Rd

Breakfast bruschetta at Indigo Double Bay.
Breakfast bruschetta at Indigo Double Bay.

Breakfast bruschetta

IT’S the yummy breakfast bruschetta that has patrons truly drooling. — Indigo Double Bay, 6/15 Cross St

Wagyu striploin at Sake, photo - Jenifer Jagielski
Wagyu striploin at Sake, photo - Jenifer Jagielski

F1 wagyu striploin

YOU’D be remiss for passing up the delicious main of wagyu striploin, served with dipping sauces. — Saké, The Intercontinental Hotel, 33 Cross St

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/food/sydney-taste/eat-street-sydney-10-things-to-eat-in-double-bay/news-story/81f422d3e9ba6dfa0e1753e89dc08901