Welcome to Sydney Institutions, where we take a look at some of the long-standing venues serving as the beating heart fueling this city’s social landscape.
For those yet be introduced to this long-established, beloved Surry Hills staple, Bar H Dining is a casual yet sophisticated eatery and wine bar that embraces contemporary Japanese and Chinese cuisine with an Australian indigenous twist. It’s no surprise, as the owner, Hamish Ingham is highly regarded as one of the brightest chefs in Sydney.
With opening Bar H in 2010, Ingham has added a unique addition to Surry Hills’ palette. You’ll find it on the corner of Campbell and Foster Streets in the relatively quiet side of Sydney’s hip inner-city suburb. Inside, the moody lighting creates a relaxed and inviting ambience, while light enlarges the boutique space thanks to the establishment’s expansive windows that stretch around the front.
The inventive dishes designed to share are crafted by head chef Nobu Marayama, who combines his Japanese heritage with a strong passion for sustainable produce. His creative vision is reflected in the intriguing dishes, with the most notable eclectic approach being the crisp saltbush and chilli. The zesty saltbush leaves are lightly battered and effortlessly flake off the stalk. The chilli aioli sauce is a delicious compliment to the salty flavours – expect to be licking your fingers afterwards.
The fresh oysters are simple and elegant. There are hints of subtle salty tones that combine perfectly with the sweet apple dashi dressing sprinkled with shiso mint. Order at least six if you’re dining for two, it’s worth it.
An ode to traditional Japanese cooking of raw fish is the Hiramasi Kingfish sashimi. Delicately served juicy slices of Kingfish sashimi are garnished with citrus finger-lime caviar and drizzled with a zingy chilli dressing.
Keeping in trend with seafood dishes, the seared sweet prawns with soy, kombu butter and fresh horseradish have a smokey essence with tender textures that allow each bite to melt in your mouth without losing a balanced chewy consistency. On the side, order the (very) decently sized portion of broccoli steak served with black sesame puree and tamari dressing.
On the drinks list, you can sample the generous selection of sake or the classic cocktails with an Asian inspired pinch like the Yuzu Fizz with beefeater Gin, Yuzu, Papaya Milk, Osmanthus and soda. And of course Bar H boasts an impressive wine menu, featuring enough variety for plenty of pairing possibilities.
For consistently delicious Asian-Australian fusion dishes in a vibrant neighbourly bistro, Bar H stills ticks all the boxes and earns its reputation as one of Surry Hills’ most quintessential dining spots.
Bar H
Address: 80 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Contact: (02) 9280 1980
Website: http://www.barhsurryhills.com.au/
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 6-10pm; Thursday – Saturday 5-11:30pm; Sunday closed.
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