Surry Hills-Darlinghurst
www.wine-library.com.au
18 Oxford Street, Woollahra
Part restaurant, part wine bar, Wine Library sits at the top side of Oxford Street and sneaks across the border into Woollahra. By day it may be easy to miss, as it looks quite comfortable amongst the Paddington shopfronts and nearby Dr Suess store. By night, it has a warm orange glow that encourages a visit. It can also be as oasis of activity on a wet evening when there seems little else happening along Oxford Street. Inside, this narrow but long venue ducks and weaves to a rear seating area/restaurant.
On offer is a great selection of wines that do justice to the name Wine Library, particularly the reds. It provides a great place to pick up some knowledge about wines too - don't be scared to ask about what you are drinking as the staff are always helpful. The food menu is well thought-out from lighter summer fare through to hardier meals suitable for cold winter nights. It would appear most people sitting at the bar don't get past the listed paninis - a wise choice on a busy night when seating is scarce. Although there is something inexplicably tempting about the cheeses listed after polishing off one or two glasses of red.
When half-full, Wine Library has a great intimate feel, but it can get noisy and a little bumpy as the place fills.
Best things: Wine list and friendly, breezy service
Don't miss: You can't visit without trying a panini, or a selection of cheeses
Ideal for: Small groups, wine, after work drinks with a difference
Date tip: Go only on a quiet night and try to grab the seats closest to the street
Gripe: If you don't get a seat when it's busy, you'll find yourself constantly moving to allow people to pass
Rating: 7/10
Last updated: August 2017
You are here: Wine Library, Paddington review and address. Part restaurant, part wine bar, this venue sits at the top side of Oxford Street and sneaks cross the border into Woollahra.