As catchy as its namesake Bowie song, Rebel Rebel has a take-all-comers approach that chimes nicely with its pleasingly broad drinks list and masterful snack menu.
With that take-all-comers day/night approach, Rebel Rebel fields a nicely broad list while still keeping things wieldy. And should even these smart few pages seem too much, they’re very good with the suggestions. Our tip? Just order something from the aperitivo section straight off the bat while you browse the rest. Whether you end up with a nice briny “I Think” manzanilla sherry from Equipo Navazos, a Velo rosé from local heroes Ravensworth, or something more left of centre like a rakija (the fruit brandy from the Balkans) with tonic from Sydney distillery DNA, it’s going to be good.
Cocktails are inventive: the Santo Pauletto mixes Campari and sweet vermouth with espresso from nearby café legends Barrio for a drink that’ll wake you up and shake you up, while the Pipeline introduces Earl Grey as the twist into the harmony of Animus gin, citrus and bitters. Mocks? Just as clever. Beers? Craft benchmarks from up and down the east coast, plus a little Peroni Red, just because. Wine? Good local credentials ground the list nicely, but if you want to trot the globe or just go large, they’ve got you, with the regions of the moment (Jura, Loire, et cetera) represented alongside the bigger names.