Fico Wine Bar and Food

Editorial

Fico is the Italian word for fig, and once you step beyond the unassuming entrance to this gorgeous little Surry Hills wine bar you'll find the delights on offer here to be just as sweet and enriching. The younger sibling of Il Baretto up the road, the fig certainly hasn't fallen far from the tree.  

Adding to the sense of forbidden pleasure, the unmarked entrance is actually via the side street. There's always a certain extra thrill to entering via a dark alley. Inside is a magical space lit by rope-dangled crown bulbs, giving red drapes strewn around the walls a welcoming glow. A slick black bar overlooks a scattering of ottomans, while partition walls cleverly block out the floor, creating intimate spaces. 

As you would expect format eh parentage, there are over 30 varietals of wine on offer, with Italian imports dominating, though there is a good selection of home grown tipples and Kiwi delights too. Go all out with the Italian theme and treat yourself to a night cap grappa or limoncello. 

If you have the munchies, the antipasto style fare on offer at Fico is truly mouth-watering. The tuna crochet are scrummy, as are the calamari frittis, or go for a cheese platter with prosciutto or salami.
 
Stephen Russell, March 2011