Nomad

With the exposed wooden beams and ventilation ducts that snake throughout the ceiling of this beautifully ambient Surry Hills mess hall, I find myself wondering whether or not I’ve ended up on the set of the next Justin Timberlake music video, rather than in Sydney’s culinary institution, Nomad. These reflections are quickly quashed over a glass of 2008 Bella Ridge Estate Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre ($18). When dining opposite a vegetarian, it’s important to choose a restaurant that not only cooks the ‘good stuff’ well, but can also make the rabbit food enticing to any carnivore. And with dishes such as Nomad Jersey Milk Haloumi Heirloom Tomato, Oregano ($29) or the Okra, Spicy Cypriot, Black Salt ($9), this spot certainly fulfills the brief. The standout for me (and probably for everyone) is the Woodfired Eggplant, Pomegranate, Tahini, Yoghurt ($16). Next, it’s important to make the vegetarian jealous, and consider revising their dietary lifestyle, by ordering dishes such as BBQ Wagyu Skirt, Charred Mushroom, Pedro Ximenez ($39). The reputation Nomad has earned is certainly well deserved. The crowd is not as pompous or pretentious as those frequenting other places it could be compared to. The wait-staff don’t fawn over you like serfs at a medieval banquet, and express a genuine excitement about their dishes. Go eat there.

Nomad
16 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 9280 3395 nomadwine.com.au
Modern Australian, Wine $$$$