Jane- Sydney
JANE
Location: 478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, NSW.
Jane! Nestled into my favourite street in Sydney — Bourke Street — this tiny treasure could easily be missed! It looks small from the street but inside, it cascades backwards with charm, low light, and the hum of clinking glasses and conversation. It’s the kind of place that feels tucked away and effortlessly cool — the kind of spot you want to keep secret, but also tell everyone about.
The lovely team at Jane generously let me pop in to try some dishes I’d been eyeing for weeks. I was desperate to get my hands on the crispy whitebait offered during Australiano Hour — their take on aperitivo, done the Surry Hills way. Served golden, salty and crunchy, with just the right amount of bite, they disappeared faster than I care to admit.
The menu? Think modern bistro with a playful, elegant twist. Seasonal vegetables are treated with the same reverence as a perfect cut of meat. Wines are natural-leaning, but not too fussy. The vibe? A little European, a little inner-east Sydney - Jane is in its own league!
salt + native pepper whitebait, vinegar powder
The Australiano Hour menu differs from the original, it’s playful (VB on the drinks list), and delicious. At this point I’m pretty much a specialist in bread and butter, so believe me when I tell you that Jane does it right! Whether you’re dropping in for a snack and a spritz at the bar or settling in for a long lunch with friends, Jane delivers. It’s warm and inviting, and quietly special — just like Bourke Street itself.
sydney rock oyster, guava vinaigrette
Australiano Hour bookings are 45 minutes, so they can squeeze in a few sittings, while a normal dinner booking is longer, and recommended if you want to settle in. Just make sure you pop in another time to sample the Australiano menu, noting that you can still order from the original menu at any time. My favourite dish to come out of the kitchen at Jane was the rockmelon sorbet with green ants. The fresh rockmelon flavour, paired with the citrus notes from the ants - heaven. It’s redefined “let’s go for ice cream”.
rockmelon sorbet, green ants
I stayed longer than I intended (as one usually does at a dimly lit wine bar), and watched as the afternoon faded into evening, and the restaurant became more intimate. Lights were dimmed and candles were placed on every table, which made it even harder to leave.
jersey milk pannacotta, beetroot, rhubarb, davidson plum
Jane feels like a secret, even when all the tables are full. It’s the kind of place you find yourself thinking about the next day, then before you know it you’re making excuses to wander down Bourke street at 4pm, just in case there is a table free.
Stray beautiful,
BEAR.