Gitano
Shop 2/53 Cross St, Double Bay
Gitanossydney.com.au
Double Bay is continuing its rise as a top dining spot with the opening of Gitano, a fancy Mexican restaurant and bar on popular Cross Street. Head Chef Alvaro ‘Clark’ Valenzuela’s menu will feature exciting flavours from different parts of Mexico, focusing on places like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, the Yucatán Peninsula, and coastal regions, all presented in a tapas style.
Valenzuela, originally from Mexico City, is known for bringing traditional and modern Mexican food to Sydney, having previously worked at Chula in Potts Point, Zepeda, Alegre Bar and Dining, Bodega1904, and Mañana.
At Gitano, Valenzuela aims to take diners on a journey through Mexico’s flavours and stories. “Gitano will offer a variety of dishes from different regions of Mexico in a casual and rustic setting to create a warm and inviting dining experience,” he says. “This lets diners explore the diverse flavours and traditions of Mexico while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. It also adds a touch of authenticity to the experience, reflecting Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.”
Valenzuela credits his grandmother, his ‘abuelita,’ for his palate. “She taught me that everything should be done with love, including cooking,” he says. “There’s a lot of love in everything I create, from simple tacos to more complex dishes. I hope Gitano guests will taste my passion for Mexican food.”
Gitano is the latest venture from Eastern Suburbs hospitality experts Eric Jury, Julian Tobias, and Poata Okeroa, who are also partners in the Sydney nightspot Sussudio in Potts Point. “We wanted to bring a unique dining experience to the eastern suburbs, combining a festive atmosphere with an elevated Mexican menu,” says Okeroa.
Gitano will also feature a lounge bar with Latin/Afro house music and bottle service, perfect for those wanting to continue their night like in Tulum or Mykonos.
Gitano’s decor, inspired by the neutral tones and rough textures of Tulum’s beachfront bars, was designed by Jury, who also handled the renovation from its previous incarnation as the Middle Eastern-themed Bedouin. “Double Bay has seen a resurgence in quality dining with the openings of places like Tanuki and Bartiga. Neil Perry’s new Asian concept on Bay Street will also add to the local restaurant scene,” says Okeroa.
Gitano will also feature a lounge bar with Latin/Afro house music and bottle service, perfect for those wanting to continue their night like in Tulum or Mykonos. General Manager Francisco Rosales, with experience from top restaurants in Australia, Mexico, and the US, says the bar will offer curated wines and unique cocktails, including a Patron bar as a highlight.
Gitano will operate as a restaurant and late-night venue with a 3am license and capacity for 160 people in the front restaurant and bar area, and 200 patrons in the lounge bar.
Trading hours are Tuesday-Thursday 5pm till late, Friday 5pm till 3am, Saturday midday till 3am, and Sunday midday till late.