Bar Julius in the Wunderlich lane precinct, Redfern is the kind of place that makes you forget where you are—in the best possible way. Equal parts European bistro romance and Sydney cool, it’s sophisticated and stylish.
The food started strong, as it should. The entree bites arrived first – the iconic beef cheek éclairs were amazing. Rich, slow-cooked beef tucked into a choux, that was crispy on the outside and soft inside, indulgent without being heavy. Alongside them, the fish and chip bits felt anything but ordinary: beautifully cooked fish with a delicate crunch, proof that comfort classics still shine when done properly.
From there, the menu unfolded effortlessly. Beef tartare was clean and precise and beautifully presented while the cauliflower dish surprised with depth and texture.
The heart of the meal came next. Cavatelli tossed in lemon herb butter was simple, silky and quietly addictive, with some fresh beans, goats cheese and manchego – the kind of pasta you keep thinking about long after the plate is cleared. The lamb arrived perfectly cooked, while the confit salmon was fresh, elegant and confidently restrained, served with its crispy skin.
Then came the crowd-pleaser: the Bar Julius burger. Juicy and indulgent, it’s the kind of dish that reminds you why classics exist in the first place.
Sides deserve their own moment. Crispy potatoes with smoked garlic aioli were dangerously moreish, the tomato salad bright and refreshing, and broccolini added just enough green to convince you this was, in fact, a balanced meal. The food here was outstanding.
Desserts and drinks at Bar Julius are truly divine. The Salted Chocolate Delice is rich and decadent, layered with malt feuilletine and lifted with just a hint of whiskey—deep, dark and grown-up. Then there’s the showstopper: the Torched Alaska, a stunning combination of cherry sorbet, finger lime and coconut, both dramatic and refreshing in equal measure.
Cocktails are not an afterthought here. The Nightcap 29 is a must—Don Julio Blanco tequila, vanilla, Mr Black coffee liqueur, cacao and Brookie’s mac liqueur come together in a smooth, indulgent sip that feels like dessert in a glass.
Be sure to add this to your must dine list
8 Baptist Street
Redfern