Bel Mondo

LOCATION:
On the top level of the Argyle Stores in the Rocks, enter via Gloucester Walk in Argyle Street. Close to Circular Quay.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA:
If you want to get to bel mondo prepare for a journey through Sydney’s historic Rocks area. You’ll have to traverse down Argyle Street, up an old-world staircase, down a narrow alley and into a heritage-listed warehouse. The effort is well worth it. This shy restaurant offers some of Sydney’s most prized views with a side of fine dining that’ll have you keen to relive the adventure. The interiors aren’t too shabby either. Finding a balance between modern and heritage-listed elements, bel mondo is reminiscent of a refined New York-style loft with a side of Alice in Wonderland quirk.

The first thing you notice when you come in is the breeze that dances from the entry, past a teardrop-shaped bar, ruffles the napkins of the dining room and sprints out to join the Harbour Bridge on a breezy balcony. The decor it touches surprises with little bursts of colour. The bar claims focus with its oblique shape and silver bookshelf of liquors (the first hints of a 30-strong cocktail list). Behind the bar a row of gold- and mauve-coloured curtains billow around baroque-style armchairs. To their right are two whimsical orange Potenza chairs, an open kitchen (raised on a platform for emphasis) and finally a dining room filled with polite beige table settings and very respectable views of the Opera House. From here you can also spy entrees like carpaccio of beef tenderloin with pear, walnuts and gorgonzola rocket salad, mains like fresh herb linguini with sauteed prawns, dry-aged chorizo, asparagus and basil pesto, and desserts like passionfruit and lime brulee with macerated strawberries and sweet pastry twists. Order two courses for a reasonable $45 and indulge in the freshness of the seasonal menu. Alternatively treat yourself to the five-course degustation menu prepared daily according to seasonal market produce.

Agnes Gajewska, January 2010

DETAILS:
bel mondo restaurant has to be Sydney’s best kept secret located in the heart of The Rocks offering historic, harbour and bridge views. Housed atop the Argyle stores, a space reminiscent of a New York loft, with old timber beams, exposed roof trusses, iron-bark flooring; a structure of a bygone era. In all this, the modernality of an exposed state of the art kitchen - the theatre of restaurant; subtle lighting, and a streamlined 21st century bar leading to an elegant dining setting. bel mondo is much more than a restaurant, with a bar that opens onto a balcony with views of the Harbour Bridge and glimpses of the opera house. A range of stunning cocktails and canapés, bel mondo is the perfect place for drinks after work and cocktail parties.

FOOD & BEVERAGE:
The menu is modern, vibrant and exciting, yet with a healthy respect for the traditional. If close to a single region –then the Mediterranean would best describe the menu.

FUNCTIONS:
bel mondo is available for corporate events, cocktail parties, weddings, christmas parties, award presentations, media launches, birthdays and much more. bel mondo is available for use for private events 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are looking for a venue with a difference for your next event, that has great views, friendly staff, atmosphere and style then bel mondo is the perfect choice. For all function enquiries contact; Leanne Lloyd on: 02 9555 7493.