Contrabando Restaurant
Contrabando is a unique Latin American flavoured restaurant where traditional cooking techniques collide with Sydney’s best produce, and a modern sensibility.
We ventured out to Contrabando, located right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, after work one busy Friday for a late-night snack. Upon entering the moodily lit venue and browsing the walls covered in artwork, we sat down and flicked through the cocktail menu. The list of drinks was extensive ranging from tasty cocktails to beer and wine – the list was several pages longer than the food menu!
After settling for a cocktail, it was time to try out some of the “munchies” from the food menu. We started with the Chargrilled Corn which came with lime, queso fresco and chipotle mayo – and yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. Contrabando are best known for their Tacos so next we tried the Yellow Fin Tuna Crudo ‘Mini Tacos’ with avocado, lime and chilli. This is a must-have if you ever visit the venue – it certainly got the party in our mouths underway.
The Taqueria items followed kicking off with the Crispy Fish. This came with tomatillo, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo while the next item, Prawns, came with green tabasco mayo, avocado, and coriander salsa. It was a finger-licking good start in preparation for the main that was to follow.
The main menu featured a lip-smacking selection ranging from Rotisserie Chicken to Cootamundra Lamb Rump. We went for the Calamari with organic quinoa salad, chilli and ginger mojo. It was just mouth-watering and a little spicy which literally had our mouths watering for a sip or two of our cocktail. It was very filling and we wondered if we could fit dessert in.
When the dessert came out, we couldn’t resist giving it a try. It was a Mexican Chocolate Tart with cherry, chilli, and candied walnuts. It was absolutely delicious and a great way to finish the meal off with a bang before venturing into the night. Highly recommended!
Where: 21 Bent St Sydney 2000
Hours: Mon to Fri (12pm – 3pm) & Tues to Fri (5pm – Late)