Wine Room

It might seem a stretch to liken Canberra’s laneways to the ones you’d find in Spain, with their historic charm and tiny pintxos bars. But thanks to Wine Room, this little laneway off Mort Street has been given the proper Spanish treatment.

The team here is also behind the neighbouring wholefoods cafe, and Wine Room approaches seasonality with similar gusto. But instead of gussied-up brunches, it’s all about Euro-style snacks and share plates with creative twists. An open-ended offering, the menu is perfect for those stopping in for a drink after work as well as those planning to linger a while.

Start with snacks such as oysters spiked with fermented yuzu granita, or the house take on a gilda skewering tuna, anchovy and guindilla peppers. Larger plates might include Balinese beef tartare (served with prawn crackers and betel leaves); Wagyu steak with chimichurri and confit shallots; or a saganaki-inspired dish of grilled halloumi with Tasmanian leatherwood honey, candied lemon and sumac. For dessert? Think smoked peaches served with caramel-and-yoghurt gelato and macadamia.

This being a wine bar, there’s a diverse and extensive list to choose from, giving drinkers the opportunity to try something new or a little unusual. That might mean an amber blend from local winemaker Mada, or a viognier from Craven Wines in South Africa.

The bar has alleyway frontage and tables that spill out of the narrow space. Inside, there are warm leather booths, textured white walls and shelves upon shelves of wine bottles.