Pocket of Hong Kong in Sydney

The basement dining of burlesque proportions at Ll Wine & Dine. 

Whilst the prospect of fine dining to some in the Kings Cross area is as foreign as the Swede frequenting the local backpackers den, LL Wine & Dine finds itself on the new culinary laneway of Darlinghurst, Llankelly Place.
According to various sources the venue has been an underground casino, brothel and swingers club with its history echoing through its basement dining and suggestive art. After a long working week, Friday night felt like the perfect opportunity to get the girls together to wind down before the weekend.
The sexy and sultry feel of the dining experience at LL definitely lies in it’s extensive cocktail list. I took a gamble with the Dragon Eye (fresh coriander, raspberries, and pressed chilli infused in 42 Below Vodka) while the girls ordered a Ll Cool Sling (Bacardi with fresh lime, pineapple orange juice served with passionfruit and a dash of Vanilla) and Pear Acee (Pear juice, Vodka with fresh coriander and Lemon martini style) which were equally refreshing and oriental.
With all meals to share, these Asian inspired dishes are more than seductive. For starters we ordered the LL San Choy Bau of Chicken ($18) with its modern twist of pine nuts and lime dressing. Then for mains we ordered the signature dishes of Pork Belly ($27) and Barramundi being well beyond expectations.
So the verdict is in. Small bars are definitely the best thing to happen to Kings Cross and I can’t wait to see what lands next on Llankelly Place.

LL Wine and Dine, 42 Llankelly Place, Potts Point NSW 2011.