Ruby Rabbit restaurant review
Oxford St bar, nightclub and eatery Ruby Rabbit has undergone a revamp just in time for this year’s Mardi Gras festivities.
The Star Observer recently stopped by for dinner and a few cocktails and found the venue’s ground floor eatery an inviting, intimate space, perfect for a pit stop before a night on the town.
Taking a seat in the spacious yet cosy eatery, we were struck by the unusual decor — more than a dozen oversized birdcage lampshades dot the ceiling, providing the sort of warm, forgiving lighting that makes Ruby Rabbit ideal for a first date.
Starting with cocktails, we put ourselves in the capable hands of our waiter, who knocked us up an Espresso Martini and a Garden of Eden (vodka, triple sec and fresh mint). At $18 each, the cocktails aren’t the cheapest in town, but they’re well worth splashing out for. The martini was surprisingly smooth, without the overwhelming bitter coffee bean taste that mars so many Espresso Martinis, while the Garden of Eden was a 10 out of 10 — the perfect blend of extra-strong spirits and refreshing mint.
We shared the antipasto platter for two with our cocktails, and found it hearty enough to suffice as a light meal before hitting the dancefloors of Oxford St.
But we were here for the long haul, so we got stuck into the wine list — a lovely bottle of Bay of Stones Pinot Noir, great value at $35 a bottle — and ummed and aahed over what to tackle for the mains.
The menu is mercifully concise and free of jargon, with the 12 main meals including a mix of pub favourites (chicken and beef burgers) and lighter salads.
Vegetarians and vegans, you’re well catered for too — we had the delicious, filling roast pumpkin salad, which is available without feta on request. We also tried the chef’s specialty, the grilled salmon fillet — delicious and served with roasted baby chat potatoes, spiced watercress salad and chilli jam.
Welcome touches abound for diners at Ruby Rabbit, from the stylish, exceptionally clean unisex bathrooms to the well-stocked bar and the sheltered smoking section at the front of the eatery.
Those holding a Ruby Rabbit membership card gain access to great deals, including a percentage off food bills.
The Star Observer is giving away 50 membership cards to readers. For your chance to win, head to the giveaways section of the website and enter your details.
INFO: www.rubyrabbit.com.au
