Dear Sainte Éloise

Potts Point has certainly changed a lot since its clubbing days. It's not all bad news, though. In fact, the Cross has transformed under its new all-encompassing moniker Potts Point and become one of the best dining 'burbs in Sydney.

Among the many sleek restaurants and cocktail dens is cosy wine bar Dear Sainte Éloise. Romantically named after a quote from George Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London, Dear Sainte Éloise is tucked away on Llankelly Place and is ideal date-night material. Keep this one in the back pocket. 

Brought to you by the crew from Love, Tilly Devine (one of our faves), this tiny restaurant and bar offers hundreds of different wines from all over the world, including a top-notch selection of minimal-intervention and natural drops. 

It also has a pretty extensive (and delicious) food menu that won't burn a hole in your pocket by the end of the night. Aside from filling mains like the pastas and rump steak, must-try starters include oysters, Angelachu anchovy and pickle brioche, and romesco dip with fried capers. The produce-inspired dishes here revolve around the shifting of seasons, proving to be as authentic and varied as its wine selection.

Embrace the sombre low lights, park yourself on the benches out the front—the best seat in the house—and never leave.

Image credit: Caitlin Hicks