New On Resy: Bistecca, Locura, Annata

Behind an anonymous door and flight of stairs in the CBD lies Bistecca, an Italian cocktail bar and steak restaurant from the owners of Grandma’s and Wild Rover. Dedicated to Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the T-bone steak of Tuscan legend, the meat is cooked over charcoal, wood, and olive branches, the only main on a menu accompanied by an Italian-focused wine list curated by Saint Peter alum Alice Massaria. Aside from providing a great steak fix, we also love the throwback dining room and excellent aperitivo and negronis on tap — run, don’t walk.

The Three Blue Ducks’ first foray into bar territory, Locura’s minimal, industrial design evokes the cool, subterranean bars of Mexico City from which it takes visual inspiration. Purpose-built  for late-night drinking, the bar leans into the Latin vibe with an early evening bar menu of fried corn, oysters, ceviches and tostadas, brought to life with house-made salsas and hot sauces. Stick around for nocturnal cocktails and weekend music sessions, curated by producer and DJ Jono Ma.

Crows Nest isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of Parisian-style cave bistronomy, but Annata has quietly become a magnet on the north shore for superb, minimal intervention wines. Exposed brick walls and low lighting add to the laid-back vibe, as do the modern Australian small plates prepared with finesse; hit it for anything from cocktails and bar snacks, to a full-blown tasting menu with wine pairing — it’s fine dining without the fuss.