A highlight in Randwick’s burgeoning food scene is Sella Vinoteca, a cellar door-style bistro that will transport you to the Mediterranean.

Its name translates to ‘saddle wine shop’ – a nod to the former stables the venue is found on, and a stone’s throw away from the suburb’s titular racecourse.

The diner is owned and run by restaurateur Fabio Dore, a familiar face in Balmain as co-owner of One Ford Street. His expert wine knowledge ensures your dishes are paired with the perfect glass each meal.

There’s a sense of nostalgia as he talks you through their extensive wine menu. Sella Vinoteca boasts close to 350 international, local and up-and-coming labels.

If you like the bottle paired to your meal, you might even be able to take one home thanks to their boutique wine store adjoined to the bistro.

Sella Vinoteca is laced with nostalgia, and designed in the image of Dore’s childhood spent playing between rustic wine barrels in Sardinia – much like the ones that line the walls of the venue.

The kitchen is helmed by Marco Masotti, former head chef at A Tavola. His tapas-style menu is made for sharing and includes highlights such as the duck leg croquettes, dubbed ‘lollipops’, to be dipped in a tangy plum ketchup.

Sella Vinoteca’s raw tuna and smoked beef tartare with wasabi mayo is a must-try. For mains, you can’t look past their handmade pappardelle served with slow-cooked beef ragu that melts in your mouth, or one of their seasonal rotations.

Sella Vinoteca
Shop 06/162-164 Barker St, Randwick, Sydney
Dinner Tue – Thu  5pm – late, lunch Friday – Sunday from 12pm
facebook.com/SellaVinoteca

Related food news: Sydney’s 10 best Italian restaurants for a taste of la dolce vita