Papa Js

In Southern Sydney and the Shire, Papa Js brings a dash of holiday spirit to the neighbourhood.

A collaboration between Josh Metcalfe and Carl and Brooke Jensen, this cocktail bar blends years of hospitality know-how with easy-going polish. It is the sort of place where a sweeping couch almost encircles the room, the lights are low and the soundtrack spins soul, funk and rock ’n’ roll from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

The kitchen moves between small plates and a la carte with breezy confidence, favouring bright flavours and polished comfort. Sydney rock oysters arrive with lemon, a red wine mignonette and refreshing watermelon granita, while mini bluefin tuna tacos balance soy, avocado and sesame in a crisp shell.

Heartier appetites meet their match in a wagyu beef burger with fries or a fragrant Thai yellow coconut curry layered with fish, prawns and squid - finished with coconut crunch and fried roti.

Desserts include vanilla crème brûlée crowned with salted caramel gelato and an almond tuile, or crispy banana fritters dusted in cinnamon sugar with butterscotch and coconut ice cream.

Slide onto a bar stool or sink into that curving couch - and let Papa Js whisk the evening along; go on, order a cocktail and savour the groove!