The trend to turn classic art masters into full blown 10ft tall immersive experiences has been adapted by Bar LuLu, the stunning bar space above Luna Lu in Campbell’s Cove. Floor to ceiling art-scapes are projected onto the walls for a comprehensively transformative dining and cocktail experience.
Combining themes from underwater world, with wall sized, enquiring turtles, to Asian gardens, with gently billowing cherry blossoms, LuLu Bar art surrounds you on the sandstone walls that have seen it all over their 180 year history.
Every Thursday to Sunday evening, Bar LuLu provides gourmet cuisine with a sense of wonder. While a la carte dining is available with a $40 entry fee per diner (includes first cocktail), there is also a three-course set menu for $120 per person that brings together Luna Lu’s most popular signature dishes.
Start with the classic mixed Dim Sum (DF with GFO available). Half moon green dumpling and money bag. A melt in the mouth flavour bomb.
Sesame Prawn Toast (GFO), king prawn coated in white sesame, on sourdough (if not GF), beetroot mayo and black flying fish roe. The gluten free option is wonderful – it’s so nice to be catered to and actually enjoy prawn toast again! Salty poppety pops of fish roe, with silky yet crispy prawn topped crunchy bread. Heaven sent.
We added in the Luna Fish Cake ($24), these are simply divine with a smooth combination of royal blue potato, toothfish and barramundi, fresh chili, coriander, dill and wasabi mayo – fried and crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. It’s basically a cloudy dream of potato, fish and herbs – perfect to accompany a glass of wine or cocktail.
The cocktail list is specifically designed for the venue, by the team, to represent the atmosphere and complement the cuisine. We started with the Coconut Margarita ($26) a classic margarita using the finest of ingredients including Herradura Repsada and Clement Coconut Liquer from Martinique. A must have and easy to drink beverage with toasted coconut flakes and quadruple dehydrated coconut and blueberry. Smooth, lightly creamy, and fresh. Be careful you’ll need more than one as it disappears very very quickly.
We also enjoyed the Kentucky Kernel ($24) – a twist on the Old Fashioned, bringing together Woodford Reserve infused with chestnut and finished with walnut bitters. Incredibly smooth and delicious.
The main event is in three parts. The Duck Salad brings together slow cooked, shredded duck pickled onion, fresh parsnip puree, coriander, wild mint with in-house crispy taro and Thai dressing. The richness of the duck, alongside the freshness of mint and crunch of dried noodles, is well balanced and generous serving.
We also had the Honey Yuzu Crisply Fried Chicken (GF!), brings together crispy chicken, dragon fruit, purple cabbage powder and nori. Sweet, sticky chicken, reminiscent of your old local Chinese has been given an upgrade.
The edamame rice (a Luna Lu must) also accompanies the mains and is a meal in itself.
We finished with Pandam Deep Fried Ice Cream, another local shop favourite, but elevated with Pandan flavour, and a dairy free option of Lychee, Raspberry and Coconut ice-cream. The team know how to feed and take care of you, making sure you are well catered to and looked after.
There is no shortage of food while being consumed by the art on the walls, that looks in parts, 3d, due the undulating sandstone walls. Between the velveteen chairs, the food, cocktails and the immersive art, you can almost forget you are sitting under one of the most impressive views in the world, that is until you look up and through the windows.. It’s just one magic moment after another with Bar LuLu.
Bar LuLu
Level 1, Bays 4 and 5, 7-27 Circular Quay West, Campbells Cove, The Rocks NSW 2000
Thur-Sat: 5.30pm-midnight
