Caravin Deux

Just a few streets away from compact, two-level French restaurant and wine bar Caravin, owners Greg Bampton, Phil Stenvall and Emily Nguyen have opened a second iteration: Caravin Deux. Taking over the teeny tiny alleyway space that previously housed Tacos Tacos Tacos, Caravin Deux has revised the traditional bistro format of its predecessor—here, seafood takes the focus, served as small plates and paired with an extensive list of natural wines.

If you are lucky enough to walk in and secure a table, you'd be amiss not to park up for the evening—seating here is few and far between, and you may even have to shuffle up and share a table with the other guests. Don't take that as a detterant—it only adds to the charm. What Caravin Deux lacks in size, it delivers in stellar Potts Point people-watching and friendly, chatty service. 

For what's in your glass, we'll leave it up to taste (as every bottle more than delivers)—but considering the low-lit, moody lighting, neighbourhood energy and loud disco music blasting over the speakers, you'll probably find yourself leaning towards a chilled red or orange wine. The cocktails also hold their own—complemented by share-style dishes like a spicy octopus carpaccio (pressed and marinated overnight) and pickled oysters.

If you manage to rock up right on opening, we'd recommend securing the coveted window seat—peer inside the tiny space at the racks of natural wine, and catch a glimpse of the bartenders in action. 

Image credit: Caravin Deux | Instagram