The Commons Local Eating House & Downtown Bar

Specialties

The Commons Local Eating House indulges Sydney locals with seasonally influenced, ingredient-​focused cuisine. The name ‘THE COMMONS’ refers to the ‘shared environmental and cultural resources of a city’, and we are proud to support Sydney producers wherever we can. Our produce is sourced as ethically as possible, with meat coming from trusted suppliers who are committed to good animal husbandry, we make all attempts to find out where our seafood comes from, utilize fresh produce from around Sydney, and support local artisan food makers. The Commons is a celebration of Australia and food & wine inspired by it: the perfect convivial setting for a meal served family style.

Complimenting the Chef’s cuisine that combines local sensibility with European traditions, particularly those of the Italian Regions, is a value driven wine list whose focus is on small production vineyards of the Australian regions and a few cellar picks from the «Old Country», Italy. The building itself is a tribute to Darlinghurst’s heritage architecture with its sandstone walls, original features throughout, convict markings still visible in the basement larder now a intimate cocktail bar «Downtown»: hide away from the busy hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a good ol’ drink and some of the best blues and jazz in town.

History

Established in 2010.

Built in 1850 it was formerly a dairy farmhouse with convict common gardens located on the corner of the site.

Initially named The Pond it was a pop-​up bar operated by Pure Blonde and when that sponsorship ended the operators kept the bar going under the new name of The Commons (2010). In May 2011 Luca Capecchi revamped Downtown bar located in the 165-​year-​old larder underneath The Commons dining room. The bar was awarded best small bar 2011 for Timeout magazine, nominated for best live entertainment in 2012 and featured in the Top Ten Bars in Sydney for Sydney Morning Herald.

In 2012 Sara L. Tomarchio started managing the restaurant working alongside with the previous ownership, embracing their dedication, passion and reverence for local, ethically sourced produce. Finally in 2013 husband and wife Luca & Sara, and business partner Alessandro Schioppetto took over the ownership of this heritage farmhouse in the quiet back streets of Darlinghurst.