Door Knock, one of Sydney’s most beloved hidden bars, located in the basement of 70 Pitt Street in the CBD, has reopened with a jazzed-up menu, new owners and a fresh look. Think: a Parisian neighbourhood bar meets an underground speakeasy with vintage French mirrors, cream flower-like lampshades, marble tables, leather seats and cosy nooks.
Sentimental Sydneysiders will be pleased to know the pineapple on the door remains, as do some of the signature cocktails, like the Sunny Leone, made with Don Julio Blanco, amaretto, lime juice, tropical citrus and pineapple oleo, passionfruit sparkling wine and Absinthe spray.
New head chef Joe Slakey (ex-Flying Fajita Sistas) is behind the flavour-forward Mediterranean and North African-inspired share-style menu. Standout starters include house-made stracciatella served with grape confit, crisp rosemary and sea salt lavosh; a selection of house-made dips; grilled calamari; and fried cauliflower with zaatar and spiced labne. More substantial dishes include a 250-gram flank steak with red wine jus and Paris butter, Chermoula chicken, and Moroccan lamb cooked tagine-style for five hours and served with chickpeas, saffron rice and dukkah.
The vino list has also had a freshen up, now showcasing more French, Italian and Australian vinos, as well as party-ready Champagne.
New owner John Grace, who got the keys to Door Knock and sister bar Uncle Ming’s in July 2024, is keen for the hidden haunt to continue to be a place for afterwork drinks, date nights and catch-ups with friends, as well as an affordable and accessible dinner spot – with most plates sitting around $20 and under.
“It was important for us to pay homage to its history, while also ushering in a new era, one which allows you to step off from Pitt St and into another world,” says Grace.
You don’t need to ask us twice. To the basement we go.
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