To have a meal at Gildas is to roam San Sebastian’s delicious old town, sampling the best pinxtos you can find while sipping liberally on a rare Verdejo. Firedoor chef Lennox Hastie created Gildas to commemorate his time in the Basque country of Spain, creating a dynamic menu of experimental tapas and pinxtos dishes so you can feast like a well-to-do Spaniard without having to fly to Europe.
The stylish interior—an homage to mid-20th century film noir—is sophisticated and approachable, while a bar stool is the house’s best seat. Don’t miss highlights like Jamon iberico ($42), jamon choux ($24) with manchego cream, retired dairy cow tartare ($26) with smoked egg yolk, and Hampshire Down lamb shank ($36) served with alubias and salsa verde. You’ll also want to study the wine list closely; Gilas Wine Bar has a knack for sourcing rarities you wouldn’t find elsewhere in Sydney.
The Gildas set menu is $95 per person with a $65 option wine pairing option.
Address: 46-48 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Contact: (02) 8275 8285
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Thursday (5:30pm – 12am); Friday (12pm – 12am); Saturday (5:30pm – 12am)
Chef: Zach Elliott-Crenn
Cuisine: Spanish
Price Guide: $$$$