The Thousands

Note: Closed 2010.

It must be hard on Germans, trying to demonstrate the breadth of their culture to the world. All we expect is schnitzel and beer, both in huge volumes. If we start thinking wine, and elegance, and refinement, we’re thinking France or Italy. The Teutons typically don’t rate a mention.

Vinothek inverts this notion, while retaining one of the positive aspects of the stereotype: there is no problem with volume here. The intriguing wine list comprised of German and Austrian varietals includes massive 200ml glass options, and the $20 Brotzeitteller is a mountain of Germanic antipasti.**Playing on the ‘bibliothek’ connotations in its name, Vinothek eschews the beer hall aesthetic popular amongst its established cousins, opting instead for a low-lit room looking out to Crown Street, and an impressive feature wall constructed entirely of books.

While perhaps not an obvious choice, Vinothek makes a unique statement for the redefinition of ‘essen und trinken’ in Sydney.