This polished, pocket-sized newcomer in inner-city Newstead offers drinkers a tasty point of difference, matching new-wave wines with thoughtful, skilfully composed snacks.
It’s all about wine here, always well-chosen and with an interesting backstory – perhaps about the winemaker or the methods they use. The labels are largely new wave and mostly Australian – around 70%, the rest hailing from further afield. You might find a red from Tasmanian producer Ghost Rock, say, or a Beaujolais from a promising young French winemaker. Choose from what’s on pour by the glass, or find a bottle you like the look of – the staff are happy to offer a taste. All are priced between $40 and $80 so you don’t need to fret about accidentally choosing something ultra-luxe.
Cocktails are limited to pre-batched Spritzes from Delinquente’s Bizzarro Australiano range, while the beers are usually from Queensland brewers such as Brisbane’s Range Brewing, or Balter from the Gold Coast. It all depends on what catches the team’s collective eye. But, for the most part, you’re at Niky for a good wine time.
Keep an eye on Niky’s Instagram for details of kitchen takeovers. Jianne Jeoung’s partner Leaham Claydon is head chef at Yoko, a buzzy Japanese go-to by the river at Howard Smith Wharves, and the talented pair has been known to host the occasional pop-up at Niky, complete with a seven-course tasting menu.
Thursday is Jianne’s menu-tasting day, so you might get to try a few of the dishes that are about to hit the menu.
