Vermuteria

With bucketloads of Euro charm in a petite Kings Cross location, consider Vermuteria an absolute must for a date-night delight.

Described as an aperitif wine bar and delicatessen, Vermuteria follows the style of its iconic sibling Piccolo Bar, this time in the site that housed the 24-hour Hernandez Café for 50 years.

Naturally, vermouth features, available from the barrel or on tap, as well as a selection of sherries, classic cocktails and spritzes, and a few wines and beers. On the snacks front, there's simple and satisfying nibbles like anchovies with baguette and butter, gildas and charcuterie plates, plus warm bites like four-cheese toasties and a bougie hot dog with LP's Quality Meats chorizo (so everything's begging to be paired with a vermouth, basically). 

The walls of the space are lined with vintage bottles and artwork saved from its Hernandez Café past, the banquette seating is upholstered in peacock-hued velour, and there's an unmistakable sense of history—Barcelona is calling.

Image credit: Vermuteria