Paddington welcomes a new Middle Eastern tapas bar, opening 15 April, with a focus on bold flavours, and drinks to match. Co-owners Erez Nahum and Juan Colmenares say they wanted to create a space that offered not only a Middle Eastern menu, but also a place where guests feel welcome, like old friends.
“Whether you’re popping in for a quick carafe and a bite, or settling in for the night, we want you to feel like you’re just as welcome in shorts and thongs as you are in your Friday best,” said Colmenares.
Expect to find smoky flavours like the prawn saganaki, and grilled octopus, with a strong menu shaped by chef Ido Zarmi’s Mediterranean leanings. The venue offers an 80-strong wine list, with 20 wine options by the glass, and a lineup of 10 thoughtfully crafted cocktails designed to complement the Middle Eastern dining menu.
The clear gazpacho cocktail, serves as a nod to the classic Spanish chilled soup, while the figroni, offers a sweeter, aromatic twist on the traditional negroni.
“We didn’t just want to serve drinks – we wanted to create a list that told a story, which matched the heart and soul of the food, but could also stand on its own. There’s as much personality behind the bar as there is on the plate,” said Nahum.
The 60-seat space features natural textures, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages long sessions with friends over a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Caness officially opens its doors Monday, 15 April at 348 Oxford Street, Paddington.