Venue openings in Coogee are pretty few and far between, so when a slick Mediterranean-leaning wine bar and restaurant opens, heads turn – and in this case, for good reason. Coogee Wine Room boasts talent both in the kitchen and on the floor, helmed by head chef Sandro Di Marino from Bondi favourite A Tavola, and venue manager Brooke Adey (formerly of Bea, Yellow and Chiswick).
The 400-strong label wine list navigates much of Europe and Australia, and the seaside location just up from the beach on Coogee Bay Road means you can drop in for a bone-dry rosé or an elegant nebbiolo with sand between your toes before the sun goes down. Approachability is what they're going for here with around 25 offerings by the glass and carafe, and almost half the impressive list sits under the $100 mark.
You can keep it classic with cheese and charcuterie if you're down for simple snacking in the front bar, or go hard and follow some freshly shucked rock oysters with pork cheek and cavolo nero sliders. Those keen for something a bit more substantial should head upstairs for an intimate date-night dinner from the menu of share plates that might include the likes of kingfish crudo or grilled octopus, or heftier dishes like ricotta ravioli, market fish with gazpacho or a hearty lamb rump. If you’re feeling indecisive, they’ll take the guesswork out and sling you five courses for $45 with the option to add on matched wine for $45 more.
From ideas to conception, CWR's been about ten years in the making, but we reckon Coogee's finally got something the area has been pining after for a while.