Restaurant Review: Downstairs Restaurant Darlinghurst
Being born in the UK, Wales to be exact and from Welsh and Irish parents I was brought up on traditional British food. Mum would serve up black pudding, corned beef, bubble and squeak and my father’s most favourite dish in the whole world is boiled cabbage, boiled potatoes and bacon! Go figure that one out! My visit to Downstairs brought back some of those memories of growing up – in a much more fancy way!
The restaurant itself is very cute. I liked the booths, similar to a British pub set up. The serv
ice was very good and the company was awesome as I was dining with three gorgeous guys! Pictured here from Instagram. We were all actually part of a media launch.
Ben Allcock, former chef at East Village has created an Anglocentric menu with a modern spin. The food incorporates both traditional and modern British dining.
Stand-out dishes include
SCALLOPS
Cauliflower cream, kedgeree croquette, grapes, Bombay hazelnuts 16
PORK TENDERLOIN
Crumbed belly, honey glazed chicory, pear, fennel, celery salad 27
LEMON BURNT CAMBRIDGE CREAM
Lemon Curd, Meringues 12
One of the dishes we were served was:
TWICE COOKED VEAL TONGUE
Onion puree, pickled beetroot, watercress, gravy 15
I admit I passed on this one but the boys loved it.
My favourite was the Pork and the Lemon Tarts! I found all the dishes (apart from the tongue which I didn’t try) tasty and meat was tender.
Downstairs is a great place to have a meal if you are in the mood for some traditional British food with a twist. Before your meal there is a great little bar upstairs where you can go and enjoy a great cocktail.
83 Stanley St, Darlinghurst
Dinner: Tues through to Saturday from 5.00 pm
Sunday Roast from 12.00 to 9.00 pm
Reservations and walk ins welcome
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Downstairs