Door Knock

Tucked below the bustle of Sydney’s city streets, Door Knock offers a calm, convivial retreat for those who take their drinks seriously and their evenings lightly. A cocktail and wine bar at heart, its progressive list roams from contemporary creations to time-honoured classics, while an extensive wine selection caters for every mood. The atmosphere is inviting and unhurried, the sort of place where conversation stretches and glasses linger.

In the kitchen, flavour leads the way. Sweet potato fries arrive with truffle aioli and crisp sage, while Greek meatballs bring together lamb, feta, smoked tomato sauce and pickled chillies for a warming bite. For something heartier, the 250g scotch fillet is finished with pickled butter, and crispy pork belly finds brightness in a red onion and cranberry chutney. The crab cakes are a must; served with a cornichon tartar and lemon.

To finish, salted peanut madeleines are baked to order and paired with coconut caramel, or guests can graze through a cheese board of brie, blue cheese and cheddar with lavosh, fig chutney and grapes. It is easy, generous dining, designed to sit beautifully alongside what is in the glass.

Slip downstairs, take a seat, and let the evening unfold at its own pace. A little knock, a lot of charm.