Alira restaurant opens
Pyrmont continues its cosmopolitan revival of late, with the recent addition of a watering hole and restaurant affectionately known as Alira.
Not quite a tapas, or a wine bar, it’s a relaxed indoor and outdoor set up that has plenty of heart. Chef Nathan Sasi and General Manager Mikee Collins (both exRockpool) are firing up with Moorish and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Dine in multiples here as everything’s designed to be shared. ‘Peruse’ the first section of the menu, where you’ll find tapas-style portions served up in ramekins (small stoneware dishes made by Mikee’s grandfather in Byron Bay) sunk into a chopping board. Choose at least four; a combination such as Moroccan eggplant salad, house made sheep’s milk labneh, spicy carrots and Devil’s on Horseback (pancetta wrapped dates stuffed with almond).
The ‘Bite & Devour’ mains are under $26 making the choice between twice cooked spiced quail or Suzuki Mulloway Tagine a little less taxing. Add a wickedly divine ‘Savour’ dessert like Moroccan doughnuts, spiced custard and Turkish mocha.
Expect a youthful wine list that takes you across France, Italy and Spain. A neat place to unwind waterside, with more-ish food and chillout beats.
Alira
Shop 120 Jones Bay Wharf, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont 2009
T: (02) 9518 4884