Barangaroo’s Sax Café and Lounge Bar brings a taste of Europe to Sydney
Sax Café and Lounge Bar is a relatively new venue in Barangaroo that brings European piazza-style dining, live music, and the charm of a wine and cocktail bar to the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
A charming café by day that transforms into a chic European wine bar and lounge by night, the venue blends the sophistication of a luxury lobby lounge with the allure of a European bar, set against the backdrop of live saxophone performances every Friday and Saturday evening.
To escape the cold winter chills, Sax Café and Lounge Bar invite Sydneysiders to experience Europe without jumping on a plane. They’ve just unveiled a winter menu that’s a feast for the senses. Crafted by Head Chef Marco Laritonda, a passionate chef from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients in classic yet refined dishes that embody the venue’s elegance and evoke nostalgic familiarity.
Starter highlights include the Salt & Pepper Squid with citrus, Japanese Wagyu Bresaola with red grapes, the delectable Ricotta Lemon Zucchini Flowers with truffle honey, and our top pick – the Kingfish Carpaccio with citrus oils, pomegranate and wonton crisp. Light, delicate and utterly delicious.
For something more substantial (and perfect for truffle season), you can treat yourself to the indulgent Truffle Mac n’ Cheese or the Truffle Butter Linguine topped with freshly grated truffle. Or you can get stuck into the limited Beef Pot Pie and Crumbed Pork Cutlets with rocket, fennel, fried capers and lemon.
Other mains highlights include the Grilled WA Octopus, Pan Seared Duck Breast, an MBS score 9 rump cap with shiitake mushrooms and red wine jus reduction, Butterfly Grilled QLD King Prawns with fried capers and lemon garlic butter, and the outstanding Blue Spanner Crab Linguine with juicy cherry tomatoes and chilli which give this one a flavourful spicy kick. Super tasty and completely satisfying.
The bar menu, crafted by bar manager and sommelier Gabriel Diniz, perfectly complements the impeccably executed dishes. Each cocktail is meticulously created using in-house techniques, from homemade rose water syrups to bespoke reductions, guaranteeing a flawless sip every time. Favourites include the Amy Winehouse, Sweet Dreams, La Vie En Rose and the refreshing Frank Sinatra – a sophisticated rendition of the Margarita.
For wine lovers, you cannot go past the Californication – a tantalising fusion of the tangy essence of pineapple with the intricate dance of three meticulously crafted red wine variations. Antica Formula vermouth imbues deep cherry, plum, and vanilla notes. Delve deeper, and you’ll discover the luxurious touch of 1998 Pedro Ximenez, its dense sweetness gracefully settling at the glass’s base, leaving a lingering, indulgent finish. Just spectacular!
Speaking of wine, there are 176 wine offerings, showcasing top small winemakers from Italy, Spain, France, Australia, and New Zealand. With so many options, there is truly something here for everyone.
Sax Café and Lounge Bar is a stylish venue that brings people together through food and music in beautiful settings. To experience a taste of Europe this winter, Sax Café and Lounge Bar is the ultimate destination for fine wine and food lovers.
Sax Café and Lounge Bar
Shop 7A/100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Open Monday 7:30am-3pm; Tuesday 7:30am-7pm; Wednesday-Friday 7:30am-10pm; Saturday 5pm-10pm.