Mille Vini

Just a few years ago this charming Italian wine bar was one of a kind, a trail blazer that signalled the start of Sydney’s passion for wine bars. A focus on Italian wine and food has seen them packed to the rafters for several years now. Faced with competition from a tsunami of new wine bars they've pared back the selection of food and wine and kept the crowds. It’s a testament to the good value coming out of the kitchen that you’ll still wait a few minutes even early in the week to get in. Mince stuffed olive all’ ascolana are a great start or lash out for the rotolodi coniglio - a juicy rabbit and truffle terrine. Look hard at the reduced wine list and you’ll spot a couple of star wineries; Anselmi soave is as textural and tasty as white gets. You’ll also notice a lot more small, obscure wineries from boutique importers. There's a good mix of varieties and appellations that are well priced, with a dozen bargain wines by the glass.