The pre-dinner ritual - it’s not just a moment, it’s a mood. A transition from the day’s demands to the evening’s indulgences. Whether you're sipping a Vermouth as the sun dips below the skyline or sharing tapas with friends before a long night ahead, these venues don’t just understand the ritual - they elevate it.
Here are five spots where early evenings turn effortlessly into unforgettable nights.
The Black Footed Pig Tapas Bar & Kitchen – Hobart CBD, Tas
Perched along the waterfront at MACq 01 Hotel, The Black Footed Pig brings a dose of European cool to Hobart’s former industrial heart. What was once a bustling shipping shed is now a vibrant social space pulsing with personality. Its sleek interiors, lively atmosphere and prime position on Hunter Street make it a natural magnet for after-work revelry and weekend gatherings alike. Whether you're sipping on a gin and tonic by the bar or tucking into a few share plates with mates, the venue exudes casual sophistication.
The menu here pays homage to Spanish culinary roots, but it’s the Tasmanian produce that really sings. Kick off your evening with plates of grilled octopus draped in ajillo and dusted with smoky pimentón, or perhaps a serve of roasted red peppers bathed in garlic and olive oil. For something heartier, the slow-braised lamb neck is rich and rewarding, best shared alongside crispy potatoes slicked with black garlic aioli.
Tucked into the character-filled laneways of Crown Street, Paripe delivers the unmistakable energy of Madrid’s tapas culture to Surry Hills. With a distinct commitment to authenticity, this venue imports the soul of Spain by sourcing everything from hand-cut jamón to boutique Vermouths straight from Spanish artisans. The compact space buzzes with conversations and clinking glasses - a place where standing at the bar is encouraged and sharing is the unwritten rule.
Start your ritual with something familiar like patatas bravas, then drift deeper into the Spanish regions with tsixtorra sausage or garlic-laced prawns. The tortilla de patatas arrives golden and fluffy, begging to be paired with a crisp Fino or house Vermut. Finish sweetly with churros dipped in molten chocolate or a brûléed crème Catalana. It’s intimate, electric and unapologetically traditional.
Make time to secure your table or a prized spot at the bar and don't forget to leave a review.
Bar Ombre Rooftop – Sydney CBD, NSW
Few places embody aperitivo hour quite like Bar Ombre. Tucked atop Alfred Street, this rooftop oasis offers panoramic views of the city skyline just as the light softens and the mood shifts. Designed for those who appreciate the art of the slow unwind, Bar Ombre mixes curated beats, good company and stellar cocktails into one sophisticated package. A resident DJ adds a subtle pulse to the evening as patrons sip and sway their way through the golden hour.
On the plate, the focus is light Mediterranean fare perfect for sharing. Start with the golden crunch of salted cod bites paired with a tartar sauce that cuts through beautifully. Gourmet pizza is a house staple - the Gamberi option, loaded with garlic prawns, cherry tomatoes and fior di latte, is both delicate and indulgent; or perhaps go for something classic like pappardelle with slow-braised lamb and finished with pecorino.
Secure a rooftop seat to catch the city glow at its best - make sure to leave a review.
In the heart of Bathurst’s William Street dining precinct, Norma Joan offers a different take on the pre-dinner ritual - one steeped in intimacy and understated elegance. With moody lighting, rich leather seating and a bar stocked with local wines and boutique spirits, it’s the kind of place where conversations linger and time slows. The mezzanine lounge provides a touch of exclusivity, while the courtyard invites relaxed alfresco grazing.
The menu focuses on local ingredients prepared with creativity and flair. A standout is the steak frites - a beautifully cooked cut served with Norma’s own compound butter, rich jus and crispy potato pavé. The dish strikes that sweet spot between comfort and refinement. Pair it with a glass of Central Tablelands Shiraz and a plate of mixed greens laced with molasses dressing, and you’ve got the perfect lead-in to an evening worth remembering.
Set within the leafy grounds of Goolungatup Heathcote Reserve, Tucci blends Mediterranean generosity with a modern coastal cool. The interiors are warm and earthy, with timber finishes and an open-plan layout that invites groups and families to gather. There’s something effortlessly convivial here - a setting where shared meals are both ritual and celebration.
Pappardelle arrives at the table tangled with slow-cooked lamb ragu, each ribbon of pasta catching the sauce’s richness. Finished with a crunch of pangrattato, it’s comfort food redefined. You could just as easily begin with kingfish crudo or go all in with the grilled swordfish and fennel. Either way, the ethos is simple: honest food, generously served.
Pre-book your table to make the most of this Mediterranean escape and write a review when you leave.
Whether you prefer tapas with friends or an elegant rooftop rendezvous, these venues understand that the moments before dinner can be just as satisfying as the meal itself. They’re more than just places to eat - they’re places to begin your night in style.
