Firefly - Neutral Bay

When Firefly first opened in Neutral Bay, it was something of a bar revelation for lower north shore-siders – no longer did they need to venture over the bridge for their trendy small bar fix. Exposed sandstone and hanging cane lamps give this bar a modern edge over its big brother in Walsh Bay. Check out the blackboard to see what’s ‘pouring now’ from the floor to ceiling rack that houses an extensive list of vino from all corners of the globe, including Austrian and South African varietals. If it’s cocktails you’re after, the list is short and snappy with an emphasis on interesting spirits. The house special is the Espresso Martini (a riff on the neo-classic Vodka Espresso), served three ways with either Ocho Blanco tequila, Havana Club seven-year-old rum, or 42 Below vodka – each named after one of the chatty bartenders. You can’t leave Firefly without trying their famous zucchini fries – deep-fried puffs of the green stuff with a side of aioli. If you want something meatier, share a plate of beef short ribs or lamb pithiviers.