Restaurant review: Sugarcane Surry Hills

If you’re anything like me, making a decision on where to eat out is rarely done without a little research. Why risk a bad meal when there are online reviews, Instagram photos and blog posts to check out?

Online stalking aside, another pretty good bet when looking for a quality meal trying a recently reopened restaurant. You get the perfect combination of new menu items, a fresh fit-out and (often) revitalised staff, with the added benefit of the experience and know-how that comes with a restaurant that’s done it all before.

So with little time to do my research, I arrive at the newly reopened Sugarcane Restaurant, tucked away in Reservoir Street, Surry Hills confident that it’s going to tick all the boxes.

I had heard the space was previously very minimal so the brightly decorated venue, courtesy of the design team at Giant (the people behind Red Lantern’s look) is a welcome first impression. Think textured neon graffiti, Thai street posters on the walls and handmade silk handbags decorating the roof. It’s cosy and casually cool.

Chef and owner Milan Strbac’s menu too holds plenty of surprises. The broad South East Asian theme incorporates old faithfuls (the ones regulars don’t let you take off the list) along with unique dishes that you just have to try out of curiosity.

Case in point, the fried eggs with black vinegar and caramel sauce. Who knew boiled eggs could taste so good? The delicate prawn rice cakes with sugarcane are another winner – my hot tip: order a few.

And my favourite of the night: crisp tortilla with crab, green apple, coconut and lime, is perfect share plate material.

If you’re feeling like something a little more substantial, Pad Thai is given a modern twist with the addition of crispy chicken (seriously, what doesn’t better with crispy chicken?), while the braised eggplant with mustard greens is more than just a token vegetarian dish, holding its own against other items on the menu.

And another sign of a restaurant worth recommending? Planning a return visit before you’ve even left so you can sample the other menu items you had your eye on.

Tempted? Book your visit to Sugarcane here.
Why not make a night out of it? Book some Sydney accommodation here.

Do you research restaurants before you make a booking? Or are you more a go-with-the-flow kind of diner?