Fico

A converted corner terrace at the quiet, leafy end of Bourke Street works a treat as a clandestine wine bar. The interiors of Fico belie a sleek but comfortable makeover, with a pint-sized bar adjacent to the entrance, set aside the long corridor of banquettes and sipping nooks. A neat outdoor area is a welcome respite on warm nights and the atmosphere is cosy but cool. This is Il Baretto’s spin-off joint; an upmarket holding pen for Surry Hills' favourite Italian restaurant, but also a snappy wine bar in its own right. A thoughtful wine list traipses from one end of Italy to the other, with frisky, rose-hued brachetto a neat opener for a plate of crunchy tuna crocchette or a soothing foil for spicy salamino cacciatore. A crisp Peroni is never far away, and the spirituous liquors are pared back to Italian essentials – Campari, Averna, limoncello and grappa. Sharing snacks before moving on or digging in for the night are equally enjoyable, though the ambience can be a little lacking at times, and staff sometimes seem a little lost. Overall, it’s great to see diversity of drinking venues in Surry Hills.