With a chintzy, romantic air and an intimate yet lively setting, this modern Eastern European restaurant is a pocket of old-world dining charm that offers a cosy reprieve amid the burger/taco/Thai-filled streets of Darlinghurst. Inspired by regions of eastern Europe such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and the Balkans, head chef Fernando Sanchez perks up comforting classics with fresh and powerful flavours.
The winter menu features dishes such as slow-roasted pork knuckle with caraway and garlic, pickled apple, horseradish and mustard, as well as applewood-smoked and crumbed Camembert, served warm with local quince compote and pressed dark rye.
They pride themselves on matching drinks with food here, and their newly created signature winter cocktail – the Negronavic (house infused pomegranate, pure Polish vodka, house-made orange bitters, vermouth and blowtorched rosemary) – is the perfect foil to that Camembert. Or try the (very) Russian version of a Martini, made with cherry-infused vodka, naturally.
Speaking of vodka, if it's your preferred poison you're in the right place – Food Society boasts more than 100 varieties of the stuff sourced from around the world, including a house-infused selection. They even offer a 'Vodka High Tea' (Sat 11.30am-5.30pm) – opt for savoury canapés and sweets for $45 per person, add vodka iced tea cocktails for $60 per person, or enjoy four 'vodka sippers' with high tea for $70 per person.
This is the place to go if you're looking for a warm haven on a winter's night or missing your babushka's cooking. Enter via the '50s-style waiting room and follow the red carpet to the vintage-decorated dining room, where good old-fashioned hospitality awaits.