In its new kitchen, Lelya Bar is dishing up food focusing on a Spanish theme, writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
Order small morsels or dishes hearty enough to share, with the emphasis on intriguing flavours that marry well with champagne, Lelya’s stylish cocktails, beer or wine.
The venue is worthy of this major change in menu, enjoyed with the spectacular views of this rooftop bar at Burbury Hotel.
Grab your translation dictionary and explore the delicious bites on offer.
The aperitivos section of the menu features appetisers such as Spanish mixed green olives ($10) and Spanish salami ($21). Also white anchovies marinated in olive oil ($8).
We had heard from a friend who had recently been to Lelya that the patatas fritas were excellent ($12). A mound arrived with two sauces, an aioli and a hot picon. They were cold, but staff quickly whisked them away and returned with piping hot fries.
From the tapas section we selected potato rosti ($9 each) with diced fresh tuna and brava sauce. Gorgeous tastes that tickled the tastebuds. Perfectly executed and we shared three ($27).
Empanadas are always a Spanish fave and the combination of chicken, mushroom and corn soul satisfying ($11 each).
Three types of pincho (skewers) are on offer – chicken, lamb and flathead. Our lamb ($14) was a sexy mojo verde (Spanish green sauce) that was punchy, tangy and a celebration of fresh herbs.
While we didn’t indulge in the postres (desserts), both looked inviting – churros and hot chocolate sauce ($14) and a crema catalana ($15).
It was a Wednesday night and the menu had recently been launched. We arrived at fiveish and wished we had booked (Lelya attracts the after-work crowd, and the place was pumping).
Initially, we sat in a booth at the back but – after some confusion that required dealing with more than staff – we moved to seating in the main part of the bar.
Order by phone or at the bar. Although we weren’t keen on lining up at the bar, we had questions on the menu and the person serving us said he didn’t know much about the food.
The line-up was eight-deep, but we eventually got there, and our questions were answered with confidence. The wait for cocktails was a minimum 20 minutes so we went wine and champagne.
Staff whip up seven special cocktails, but happily also prepare classics or alternatives.
The wine list is compact but considered. Bubbles range from $60 to $690/bottle, whites $68 to $140, roses $57 to $77, and reds $68 to $440 (Grant Burge Meshach Shiraz 1999).
It’s nice to see some local beers on the menu, a zero-alcohol Heaps Normal and a lovely-sounding apple cider and ginger beer.
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