Euro Summer FOMO? Quell Your Sadness with the Best Mediterranean Restaurants & Venues in Sydney

If your Instagram feed looks anything like ours, images of crystal-clear waters lapping at sandy Spanish beaches are becoming a dime a dozen. Euro summer is here which means we're in the depths of Sydney's coldest days.

But if a Europe trip isn't on the cards for you, that's not to say you shouldn't treat yourself to a little Mediterranean moment. Whether you're feeling a beachside sunset spritz or a trip to a Greek deli, we've rounded up some sunny activities to fill your days. No Euro trip? No worries. Read on for the best Mediterranean restaurants and venues in Sydney...

Bobby's 

Just steps away from Cronulla Beach lies this Mediterranean-led seafood restaurant brimming with both style and substance. There's a little something for everyone at Bobby's with an all-day coffee cart offering coffee by morning and Spritz's at sunset, a restaurant for long lunching and a beach club perfect for a cocktail and snacks. 

 What can you expect on the food front? Think brioche prawn rolls, Cantabrian anchovies on toast, ocean trout crudo and a very special lemon tiramisu, all cooked up by Executive chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex-executive chef Otto & Tottis) and head chef Shaun Baker (Pier, Yan Restaurant, Bills Restaurants). As for drinks, the focus is on Mediterranean wines and light and fresh cocktails. 

6R The Esplanade, Cronulla 

Nico 

Nico, doesn't do things by halves. Everything here is flawless, from the Italian apertifs to the Amalfi Coast-inspired decor. Chef Nicola Ronconi and his business partner Ewa Witkowska have succeeded in bringing a fresh take on the classics to Sydney's Italian scene - no easy feat! The pops of terracotta and jewel blue combined with ambient lighting make for the perfect mini 'holiday' in the form of after work drinks or a weekend date spot. 

Handmade pasta, Kingfish crudo and Sfogilatella stuffed with avocado and caviar are some of the delights you can look forward to. But it's the lemon tiramisu that's got people talking. Chef Nicola's recipe has been honed for over ten years and has reached icon status. The soft lemon cream is the ideal light dish to end an incredible meal. 

Sitchu Tip: The homemade focaccia with smoked butter may well be a top contender for the best focaccia in Sydney. 

17/450 Miller Street, Cammeray 

St Siandra

How does Seven spice Moreton Bay Bugs, “en brochette” skewers of Clarence River baby octopus and Skull Island tiger prawns washed down with spritzes on tap sound? Oh, and did we mention your own private beach to enjoy them? St Siandra is now open at The Spit on Sydney's North Shore. Oh, and don't worry, if you plan to arrive by boat (because why not), they have two private moorings. 

75 Lower Parriwi Road, The Spit, Mosman 

Bar Lucia

Inspired by the elegant architecture from the streets of Madrid, Bar Lucia brings a laid-back air of Spain into Potts Point. The sultry wine bar offers a range of classic Spanish-style tapas including Jamon Iberico Bellota Puro, roast sea scallops on the half shell with saffron butter, Ox tongue with salsa pintxo and salsa verde, anchovies with salsa Spinader. Head Sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak takes charge of Bar Lucia's wine list, centred on supporting local Australian producers with an emphasis on female winemakers.

5 Kellett St, Potts Point

Snack Kitchen 

Celebrating the beauty in simplicity, Snack Kitchen combines lo-fi vibes with artisanal bites and a drinks list to die for. Presented by father and son duo, Mauric and Sylvester Terzini, the venture is an homage to their childhoods and cultural upbringings. As the name suggests, Snack Kitchen's menu is comprised largely of small plates so it's the perfect spot to drop in for a catch-up without the pressure. For those after something small with their afternoon drop, a selection of lupini, anchovies and fired and pickled peanuts are just the ticket. If you're looking for something more substantial, carpaccio, polpetti and sliced meats will sort you out. As for drinks, the focus will revolve around Italo/Euro classics - aperitif, spritz, negronis and the like, alongside European and Australian wines. 

95 Macleay Street, Potts Point

Gildas

Gildas pays tribute to the original pintxo, created in San Sebastian with just three simple ingredients - a guindilla pepper, an olive, and an anchovy. This classic Basque snack, which was founded by the owner and chef, Lennox Hastie, after his time spent in the foothills of the Basque country, was the inspiration behind Gildas. Here, you'll be able to sip on rosés from the Barossa Valley and red from Ribera del Duero but it's their collection of Sherry that's well worth a dance on your tastebuds.

As the Gildas' team explains, "Sherry is an incredibly versatile wine with food, and should be enjoyed in the true Iberian spirit - seated at the bar, surrounded by people, with shared, simple, delicious food." Take your time exploring the menu and savouring the different expressions of the Sherry spectrum, from a delicate fino to the richer varieties. 

46-48 Albion Street, Surry Hills 

Norma's Deli

Walking down the stairs into Norma's, you're immediately transported to a charming and busy Greek deli. If you can peel yourself away from watching the bakers work their magic in the open-planned kitchen, it will take you a while to choose just one or two delights from behind the glass window of glorious treats.

Honestly, between the buttery croissants, baklava, drool-worthy creations and a standout breakfast and lunch menu, it's like picking a favourite child. Don't forget to bring a bag for all the olives, spreads and goodies you're bound to be leaving with.

74-78 The Corso, Manly

Paddington Alimentari 

This authentic, rustic gem is the place to go for old-school Italian ingredients. Grab a coffee whilst you browse the array of olives, cheeses, deli meats, salads and fresh homemade desserts. 

2 Hoptoun Street, Paddington 

Not yet quenched your Euro FOMO with this edit of Mediterranean restaurants in Sydney? Catch our favourite French restaurants here and wine bars here.