Almond Bar

The look: Soothing lighting fills this spicy Middle Eastern lounge bar and restaurant. Chocolate lounges and cube bar stools are off-set by mismatching stripes and an intricate original hand carved ex-Palace wall from Java.
The soundtrack: Middle Eastern background music similar to the Buddha Bar (watch out for the belly dancers who randomly appear every week or two).
Signature drink: Try the popular Damascus Breeze ($14) - Chambord, vodka and peach schnapps shaken with homemade sweet ’n’ sour cranberry and pineapple juice.
Bar snacks: Complimentary almonds kick off the grazing. Order the three dips served with pita bread and veges ($17) including baba ghanouj and the must-try spicy ground almond dip.
Best for: a great night out when you want to feel at home. Wow factor: You’ll feel like you’re visiting an exotic family friend’s house. Run by two Syrian sisters - who make all the food from scratch - this place is so comfortable you’ll feel like wearing slippers.
If this bar were an animal it would be: A camel – earthy and enticing.

By Kathy Buchanan

 

Address: 379 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
Phone: 9380 5318
Open: Tuesday - Sunday