The Resident Darlinghurst

The Resident, a new Mediterranean-influenced venue by the team from Lotus Dining has opened along College Street by Hyde Park.

The Resident Darlinghurst – Photo Credit: Supplied

Operating as a cafe during the day, chef Pablo Tordesillas’s menu includes house-made organic bread, pastries as well as a fresh, seasonal lunch menu. By night, it’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes using premium quality Australian ingredients sourced from around the country.

The Resident Darlinghurst – Photo Credit: Supplied

The venue has been designed by Paul Papadopoulos of design group DS17 (Lotus The Galeries and Alpha Restaurant) with scalloped green granite, leather and oak subtly referencing the nearby scenery of Hyde Park.

L-R: Rowdy Spaniard, Powerbroker

The cocktail list is aperitif focussed, designed to be enjoyd as a prelude to dinner or even accompany the menu.

Cocktails are designed to be aperitif style that can easily accompany the rest of the menu. The Rowdy Spaniard ($20) combines Vermut Negre, Fair Cafe Liqueur, cherry and smoked cola in a delicious combination of flavours with coffee, and the smoked cola adding another dimension. The Powerbroker ($20) is a take on a Martini with Fino Sherry, Maidenii Dry Vermouth, preserved lemon, olive oil. It’s dry and savoury with sherry notes coming to the fore, a drink that would easily please Martini drinkers.

“Emilia” Anchovy & Gordal Olive

The food menu is designed to be shared starting with Snacks or tapas such as “Emilia” Anchovy & Gordal Olive ($5), a singular olive threaded with artisan Spanish anchovy, a perfect little morsel to accompany the Powerbroker cocktail.

Jamón Ibérico

Alternatively, the Jamón Ibérico ($5) features with generous slices of jamón Ibérico on grilled sourdough.

Cardoons, Black Baba Ganoush & Taleggio

From the Small Plates, the Cardoons, Black Baba Ganoush & Taleggio ($16) intrigues at first when presented. Tasty bites of artichoke thistles with Taleggio cheese are crumbed, deep fried and topped with smoky black baba ganoush that gets it colour from the eggplant skin.

Mussels, Lemon Myrtle, Artichoke & Dill

Also from the Small Plates and moving up considerably in size are the Mussels, Lemon Myrtle, Artichoke & Dill ($19), a standout dish with a vibrant zesty citrus aroma. The mussels burst with flavour and the creaminess of the sauce along with the crisp artichoke pieces makes this dish worth ordering again on the next visit.

Spanish Mackerel, Piperrada & Watercress

The main course dishes include Charcoal Grilled dishes such as the delightful Spanish Mackerel, Piperrada & Watercress ($24). The fish is exquisitely cooked, tender, moist and just set in the middle sitting on a palette of colour with sweet red peppers.

Lamb Breast, Smen & Ord Valley Chickpeas

Also from the mains is the Lamb Breast, Smen & Ord Valley Chickpeas ($38), a generous dish of ras el hanout-coated ribs, the meat sweet, tender and falling off the bone served with smen (fermented butter).

Blanco y Negro

Dessert is well worth having with the coffee-forward Blanco y Negro ($14) hitting the after dinner coffeeine spot paired with NV Valdespino Pedro Ximenez Jerez ($12).

Rum Baba, Quince, Almond Cream and Lemon Balm

For a non-caffeinated option, try the Rum Baba, Quince, Almond Cream and Lemon Balm ($14) broken into chunks with pieces of baba and quince with a hint of rum.

The Resident is located in a luxury apartment building opposite Hyde Park and is open 7 days a week.

The Resident
18 College Street, Darlinghurst
Café: 7.30am – 3.30pm daily
Restaurant: Lunch 12pm – 3pm Thursday – Sunday
Bar: 4.30pm – 11pm Monday – Saturday
Dinner 5.30pm – 10pm Monday – Saturday; 5.30pm – 9pm Sunday; 4.30pm – 10pm Sunday

Originally published 1 July 2016. Updated 26 August 2016.