Down a seemingly infinite set of stairs, basement-dwelling Subsolo is virtually invisible to passersby. Unlike many Sydney fine dining establishments, Subsolo doesn't feature sparkling water views. The atmosphere here is moody and sensual - exposed brick walls and ruby chiffon casting a red glow.
Chef and Ready Steady Cook regular Jacqui Gowan has created an extensive menu, so we left our fate to our (soon proven expert) waitress. The pick of the tapas was the pimentos rellenos: roasted capsicum filled with delicate goat's cheese and pine nuts. It was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Also of note were the crumbed meatballs with manchego cheese centres, served in a romesco sauce. We wished we'd saved our olive bread rolls to soak up every last drop.
When the paella with chicken, chorizo and seafood was served, we were almost too sated to appreciate the amazing saffron flavour. It was smoky and arranged beautifully with mussels still in their shells. But most visually spectacular were the Portuguese espetadinha. The charcoaled meat is served on decorative skewers dangling from a wrought iron stand. We had the seafood version, featuring prawns, scallops, squid and salmon, but suffered a bout of food envy watching the diners at the table next to us devour barbequed quail with a sherry glaze.
In the name of research we managed to squeeze in dessert. The churros were spectacular. Cinnamon-y and warm, they were accompanied by caramel dipping sauce and outstanding honey ice cream. The crema catalana, the Spanish equivalent of creme brulee, was prepared at our table and tasted incredible; the creamy custard contrasting with the caramelised crust was a blissful conclusion to the evening.
Perhaps it was the sangria or the red-themed interior, but exiting Subsolo felt like ascending from hell. Judging from our distended bellies and wandering eyes, our sins were gluttony and envy.
All reviews and ratings are the expressed opinions of our users, and in no way reflects the opinions of yourRestaurants, its staff and its affiliates.
Posted by:
kratings*
|
29 May 2011, 3.22pm
terrible experience - worst service I've ever experienced
we had a booking for 8pm, and were on time. It was 930 before we were even brought our drinks, 1030 before we managed to flag down a waitress and ask where our meals were, and midnight before we finally left. When it was time to pay, we discovered we'd been whacked with a $108 'service charge' that was removed when we questions why we paid for service but didn't receive any. VERY BAD EXPERIENCE
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Visit: Sat 28 May 2011
Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by:
hawaii60
|
7 August 2009, 12.40pm
A very underwhelming experience
I had read the reviews and took my sister, visiting from 8 years away in Las Vegas, there for a Spanish tapas experience. Bad decision. The decor was hardly "Barcelona meets New York", but was rather plastic, tacky and dated; 70s but not in a good way. Lacking in ambience. We were served by a waiter with attitude, who pressured us by hovering around until we ordered food, not pleasant as we were catching up on 8 years of separation. The young wine waiter was sweet and earnest and the sangria was excellent, the best thing about the night, though not cheap at $14 a glass. We ordered peri peri Chicken on a vertical skewer and it was dry and not very large. We also had 2 tapas, mussels and prawns, both lacking in taste & pizzaz and different from the tapas I have eaten in Madrid and Barcelona. The place was full after an hour, so no doubt it will do well, knowing the dining habits of Sydneysiders chasing the latest fashionable restaurant. Despite a largish bill, I came out still hungry. Oh well, back to tried and true...
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Visit: Fri 7 August 2009
Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by:
Foodie Dudie
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22 January 2009, 2.32am
Sexy Subsolo!
My friends and I had a fabulous night at Subsolo, after not knowing what to expect we were delighted with the aura as you descend into a sexy and beautifully illuminated space. We all agreed that the food was outstanding and the service was great. Special mention to the friendly barman who got our night started with the best sangria ever!
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Visit: Fri 19 December 2008
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Posted by:
Sunshines
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13 January 2009, 10.26am
Subsolo or Substandard????
I expected more of this venue. It was freezing cold, the staff over-sell to the point of making you wish you were invisible. The food is ok but the experience as a whole was very substandard.
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Visit: Fri 7 November 2008
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Posted by:
Alex.P
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4 February 2008, 9.47pm
Subsolo
Wonderful space, loved the food (heaps of excellent tapas), service (very friendly and informed staff) and ambience (the decor is amazing!). Looking forward to my next visit. Recommend it highly to any foodies out there who want something special. Smart location and reasonably priced.
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Visit: Fri 1 February 2008
Mealtime: dinner
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