NOW EXPERIENCING:Bessie’s and Alma’s
Drinks Directory|Recently opened|Bar|Meal and a bev

Bessie’s and Alma’s

Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
111-115 Albion Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Website
bessiesrestaurant.com
Instagram
@bessies.restaurant

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 16 Jun 2025

By
Myffy Rigby

Inside Bessie's and Alma's in Surry Hills, Sydney

A wine bar out front, restaurant out back, with delicious eats and drinks all the way through, here old-school hospitality meets modern takes on wine and dining.

The wood fire is a central feature at Bessie's and Alma's
Why you goThe concept is “food, fire, friends”. And depending on how you’re rolling into this place, you’ll find all three pretty easily. As effortless to navigate for a solo diner as it is in a larger group, here at Bessie’s the feeling is one of warmth and old-school hospitality. It might be one giant open-plan space, but don’t be fooled – the bar is an entity all of its own.
What drink to orderThe focus is wine at every level, whether that’s local and biodynamic (try the punchy, fruity semillon-muscat from South Australian producer Geyer Wine Co), local and classic (perhaps a glass of citrusy Hunter Valley semillon from Tyrrell’s) or something from further afield such as a grenache from France’s Rhône Valley. At the other end of the scale, there’s also a spicy, smoky Frozen Margarita fresh out of the slushie machine, just the way they did it in the ’80s. Delicious. It’s also pleasing to see the bar has brought the Pisco Sour (Peruvian brandy, citrus juice and egg white shaken until fluffy) out of the vault.
One of the great cocktails on offer at Bessie's and Alma's
The fried Moreton Bay sandwich is a highlight at Bessie's and Alma's
What to eatWhile Alma’s is strictly a bar, you can order pretty much everything off the Bessie’s restaurant menu. Sourdough flatbread comes straight out of the oven, all herb-oily and finger-scorchy. It’s a perfect foil for creamy buffalo curd adorned with cucumber and dill. Ocean jacket cheeks see the fatty fish bits battered and deep-fried in the same style as Nashville hot chicken – perfect with a crisp white wine. If you want to stay on the crunchy-fried-goodness train but fancy something a little more substantial, consider the Moreton Bay bug sandwich – soft, crustless white bread and shredded iceberg lettuce cocooning a deeply golden puck of Moreton Bay bug. Luxury!
Why we love it It’s a beautiful venue, set in a beloved old Sydney warehouse space where the wood-fired grill rules. The restaurant is out the back, the bar is out the front near the street, and the vibe carries beautifully throughout. This is a venue with hospitality at its heart, with friendly service and delicious eats. 
A busy scene at Bessie's and Alma's in Sydney
Empty bottles of wine used as candle holders at Bessie's and Alma's
Make it fancyFeeling like pushing the boat out? Look to the “party bottles” section of the menu for large-format wines (the big boppers of the wine world, these are 1.5-litre bottles, perfect for big groups, starting at $280). There are some serious drops to be found in the regulation-size bottles, too, with big-name Tuscan reds hitting four figures.
Who to takeDepending on how well you know your date, fun times could be on the cards. Be aware that it’s dark, rambunctious and pretty noisy, so intimate conversations aren’t really going to happen here. There is, however, plenty of movement around, so if it’s an awkward first meeting, this could be a great place to break the ice.
image credits: Declan Blackall Photography
Authour image
Myffy RigbyMyffy is an Australian writer, editor, cookbook author and presenter.
Tags
Drinks DirectorySydneyRestaurantParty vibesDate nightKiller cocktailsAfter work drinksFancy occasionTop notch wine listA+ spirits listMeal and a bevRecently openedSydney – Inner CityBar
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