Barrafina Tapas, Wynyard

Since my first visit to Barrafina Tapas last year, it has been one of my favourite spots to hit for a catch up with friends – and their delicious, quality dishes have consistently impressed my dining companions too.

This time we popped in to try out their revamped menu, which has added some trendy items to their stable of tasty dishes on offer and also some minor modifications to old favourites in some cases. For instance, their trusty Jamon and Manchego Croquetas have always been a crowd pleaser in my experience, with melted cheese and Spanish ham oozing out of a round crumbed exterior, instead of an oblong shaped exterior like before. Paired with a nice tomato salsa, it’s still a winner of a starter.

Jamon serrano and manchego croquetas, salsa tomates (3), $10

The Crispy Moroccan Cigars are a new addition and while the slender cigars look deceptively simple from the outside, they are bursting with flavour. The crunchy fried pastry contrasts nicely with the addictive grilled eggplant puree and a strong hit of sheep’s feta rounds off the flavour explosion.

Crispy Moroccan Cigars with sheep’s feta, grilled eggplant puree (2), $8

Although  none of us are actually fans of olives, we still enjoyed the Yellow Fin Tuna ala plancha with olive tapenade. The thinly sliced tuna was seared to perfection and complemented by a wonderful white peach and chilli vinaigrette to keep things interesting.

Yellow fin tuna ala plancha, $16

I quite liked the lightly battered Crisp Zucchini Flowers, which oozed with lovely creamy innards, balanced by the addictive salt cod mayo on the side.

Crisp zucchini flowers, salt cod mayo, (3) $11 

We had been a bit adventurous in selecting the quirky sounding fig and blue cheese salad from the menu and while it was certainly artfully presented, the Spanish blue cheese overwhelmed the fresh flavours of the rest of the salad and even the sweet new season figs couldn’t save our tastebuds.

New season figs, Spanish blue cheese, honey, crisp jamon, mustard leaves  salad, $14

The Soft Shell Crab Sliders are right on trend, though the last time that I had these the buns were brioche and smaller. Now they look more like actual shrunken burgers, but the sliders are still moreish with the fried soft shell crab meat soaking up the harissa mayo sauce and dollop of avocado mousse.

Soft shell crab sliders, $9 each

The succulent Roast Spatchcock was well seasoned with some smoked paprika, lemon and herbs and we got through it in no time.

Roast Spatchcock. smoked paprika, lemon, herbs, $15

The carnivores in us were very satisfied with the juicy Bobby Veal Cutlets, which were paired with a salsa verde again for extra flavour.

Bobby veal cutlets ala plancha, salsa verde (2), $11

The surprise of the night was the incredibly flavoursome Sauteed Field Mushrooms with wild mushroom puree and hen’s yolk. Who would’ve thought that mushroom on mushroom was a killer combo?

Sauteed field mushrooms, wild mushroom puree, hen’s yolk, $14

We washed down these delicious dishes with two types of Sangria – the Cava Sangria was the lighter, more refreshing white version (with a hint of peach schnapps), while the Red Wine Sangria was also a hit, the stronger temperanillo anchoring the cocktail with some Grand Marnier and Hennessy thrown in the mix too.

Cava sangria, $14 per glass, Red wine sangria, $13 per glass

Barrafina’s desserts are also a dream, especially the White Chocolate Parfait which was light and creamy, a perfect match with some fresh raspberries and blueberries.

White chocolate parfait, pistachio, fresh berries, $9

The Lime and Mango Crema Catalana was refreshingly zesty, and while it resembles a creme brulee in a trendy jar, the caramelised crust of sugar on top isn’t quite as thick as its French cousin. We thought the blood orange slice wedged into the lid of the jar was an interesting touch.

Lime and mango crema catalana, fresh summer fruit, $9

Barrafina Tapas just keeps going from strength to strength and it’s been lovely to see it grow and become a popular hangout for the corporate crowd in the area. As long as they keep reinventing their dishes to keep things fresh, we will keep coming back for more!

Excuse Me Waiter dined as guests of Barrafina Tapas

Barrafina Tapas Bar
Ground Level, 2 Bligh St
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9231 2551

View Larger Map