Rascal

A cheeky new wine bar slinging out delicious dishes has just arrived on Sydney Road in a 70-seat venue. Former chef at hatted restaurants Sepia and Flying Fish, Elliott Pinn is a wizard in the kitchen, using his creativity and impressive skill to turn simple ingredients into extraordinary plates of food. The Brunswick venue is located in a 150-year-old building, with interiors designed by co-owners John Ryan, Simon Henderson and Harrison Peace who also own Fitzroy club Glamorama and The Vale in Ascot Vale.

The menu is truly a breath of fresh air, with a mix of snacks and larger plates that will be constantly rotating depending on the season. With the intent to be shared, we recommend the signature fried chicken with caviar and hot sauce or the snapper with cime de rapa, broad beans and salted lemons. Why not finish it off with a little taste of dessert, like the caramelized pear yuba with white miso? 

The wine list is curated with old and new world wines, featuring over 120 different varieties, 60 beers and a cocktail list that spices up the old classics. Order the honey-suckle cocktail with white rum, lime and beeswax cordial, my god. For the daring, we’ve got plenty of highballs like port and tonic to be enjoyed at knock-off drinks on a Friday swinging late into the night. 

Whether you’re after an intimate date night or dinner with friends, there is communal seating as well as smaller romantic nooks and an open plan bar. The design is chic yet comfy, with brown leather seats, wooden tables and sleek black washed walls with a unique hand-painted mural. So find your inner rascal and get your cheeky on.

Image credit: supplied