Firefly - Neutral Bay

This sequel to the Walsh Bay watering hole is as intimate and ambient as the original, with a big bonza wine list, a vast array of share plates and a new bistro menu running until 3pm daily.

A new Firefly is helping light up Neutral Bay's drinking scene.

The second coming from the people that brought you Walsh Bay's tiny bar of the same name, this one's an airy room on a side street of Neutral Bay. It's a really nicely designed room. Unlike the Walsh Bay digs that have hardly enough room to swing a kitten, this Firefly is breezy, open and very welcoming for blow-ins.

It's also the only cocktail bar worth a damn in Neutral Bay. There's plenty of top gear on the list and they're using interesting booze - such as Aviation gin and Flora de Cana rum - so even if their menu doesn't interest you, there's plenty of rocket fuel to DIY drink.

Note to all bartenders writing cocktail lists: there's only one 'm' in Hemingway and no sugar. The original Daiquiri is made with sugar, sure, but Hemingway was a diabetic who famously didn't like sweet drinks, hence the invention of the Hemingway Daiquiri. The one on the list at Firefly is guilty on both counts, we're sorry to say. We are, however, keen to try the Gentiane Negroni - gin, Rosso Antico and Gentiane. (Fun fact: gentian, an ingredient of the liqueur Gentiane, is used as a cure for nipple thrush - true story.) Try it in eau de vie on ice (the Gentiane, that is) served with a twist of orange. Don't like cocktails? They have seven different types of beer on offer (including Moretti - yay!) and a hefty wine list including some very attractive options in the Champagne department.

If you're feeling snackish, try the incredibly more-ish zucchini frites with aioli - all the joy of deep-fried chippy things without the carbs. They also offer sharing plates such as salt cod croquettes, lamb and pork meatballs and an impressive selection of cheeses including our favourite, Quickes cheddar. The bar proper has a European feel to it - all wood and stone - and sitting on the counter is an absinthe fountain (empty, alas) while big rattan lampshades of all different sizes dot the ceiling.

This may not be a flawless bar but the service is friendly, the room's stylin' and it's a great destination for a pre-dinner drink. Myffy Rigby