Only three days old when Agenda visited for a leisurely lunch, The Wine Library – a casual modern European enoteca style wine bar created by the trio behind Buzo – was already abuzz with happy patrons, and high praise for the inspired menu, great space and even better service.

The menu had me at hello! With a focus on great value and provincial European home-cooked meals, the choices are exciting. But, being blinded as usual by the word ‘truffle’ so early in the menu (on this occasion in a divinely oozy toasted strachhino and black truffle tortilla) meant a myriad of other offerings got only a cursory inspection from yours truly.

Luckily, my dining companion managed to peruse the menu with less bias and made it to the sensational charcuterie list, choosing the delicate chicken liver & vin santo parfait with toasted sourdough. And for two, the embuditos y quesos – a selection of cured artisan meats and cheeses served with pan con tomate – made for a memorable shared culinary experience.

A visit after 5pm is quickly added to our culinary to-do-list as we note the menu evolves in the evening to heartier fare with freshly shucked oysters, lobster baguettes, and Asti style pork ribs.

Beyond the fantastic food, it’s wine where this library really shines with more than 350 wines from around the globe and, in place of a resident sommelier, ‘library cards’ explaining the lesser known wines and truly delightful staff who’ve all been employed for their knowledge of and backgrounds in wine.

Notes –

Where: The Wine Library is at 18 Oxford Street Woollahra

When: open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 9 am until late.

Get me in: Call 9328 1600