Review: Movida Sydney

50 Holt Street,

(cnr Gladstone St),
Surry Hills, 2010

Ph: 89647642

Mon-Fri 12pm - late
Sat 2pm - late
Sun closed

Buggles and I have been wanting to dine at Movida for quite some time now - today however, my visit is sans Buggles, she has been replaced by a few work buddies.

The restaurant is large & airy, with lovely high ceilings - the tables are large & spacious and should easily accommodate the many share plates we plan to order.

Once seated, with drinks ordered, we set about trying to choose a selection of dishes from the rather extensive menu - our waiter assures us that he will not allow us to over order (something that could happen easily, with the wide variety of dishes on offer).

After the complimentary bread and olive oil, the first dish to arrive is the 

BOCATA DE BUEY (Air Baguette, Rost Biff Wagyu, Tocino de Cielo, Pickled & Black Garlic). The air baguette is more like a hollow crispbread, draped with the rare, roast Wagyu. The combination of the beef and black garlic is divine and the crispbread lends the dish a lovely textural element.

The following dishes arrive in relatively quick succession;

PIMIENTO DE PIQUILLO (Crumbed Piquillo Peppers stuffed with Crab & Potato) - there is a mild heat to the peppers, the potato and crab filling is rich and creamy - incredibly moreish and delicious.

CIGARILLO DE QUESO (Goat’s Curd and Quince Cigar) - a tiny mouthful of creamy, tangy goat's curd tempered by the sweet quince - divine

PINTXO DE PULPO GALLEGA (Octopus Pincho served with Potato and Paprika) - I do not eat octopus, but I am assured by those that do, that this is superb.

BOCADILLO DE CHORIZO (Grilled Chorizo and Padron Sandwich) - this spicy little sandwich went down a treat, it did have some kick to it.

BUñUELOS DE BACALAO (Salt Cod Fritters with Basque Pil Pil Sauce) - some found these too 'fishy', others could only taste potato - go figure.

PATO (Crispy Duck Leg Braised in Moscatel Wine, served with Pickled Cabbage) - the duck was deliciously juicy and tender and the braising liquid I could drink all day.

CECINA (Air Cured Wagyu Beef with Truffle Foam & Poached Egg) - without doubt, the dish of the day. Wafer thin slices of beef, with a glorious, intensely flavoured truffle foam and a perfectly poached egg - this dish is not for sharing!

CARRILLERA (Beef cheek in Pedro Ximenez with Cauliflower Puree) - yielding cheeks in a rich PX sauce, say no more.

PATATAS BRAVAS (Confit Potatoes with a Spicy Bravas Sauce) - served crispy of the outside, fluffy and light within - with a sauce that really packs a punch.

ENSALADA DE REMOLACHA (heirloom beetroot salad) - simple, delicious.

Of course, as always, there is plenty of room for dessert.

CHURROS CON CHOCOLATE (Spanish Doughnuts with Rich Drinking Chocolate) - the doughnuts are incredibly light, sweet & not remotely oily; the chocolate is rich and bitter; the combination - sublime.

TARTA SANTIAGO (Almond Fondant with Fennel Pollen Ice-Cream) - like a chocolate fondant, but with an almond sauce - excellent.

BOCADILLO DE HELADO (Dulce Leche Ice Cream with Mantecados & Banana in Butterscotch) - rich caramel ice cream, shortbread, banana and butterscotch, can you really go wrong?

We really enjoyed our lunch at Movida, the food is spectacular, abundant and  very reasonably priced. The staff are helpful and incredibly tolerant (mopping up red wine & glass shards!!). 

Buggles and I are already planning a return visit!

Squeak