Located in the heart of Surry Hills, Sydneysiders will find Fauna. A modern neighbourhood restaurant, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine, tucked away in a stunning terrace, perfect for a quick bite on a Tuesday night, a date on a Wednesday, lunch with the girls, dinner with friends – and everything in between.
Fauna hosts three spaces. The front Dining Room, the Outdoor Garden and Upstairs Bar. Whether you are looking for a quick afternoon bite or an indulgent mouth watering meal, Fauna features a delicious handcrafted menu of fine food and beverage matched with stunning interiors.
Co-owners Geraint Coles and Julia Quisumbing knew exactly how they wanted Fauna to feel. From time spent working in Los Angeles, Coles remembers the cultural love affair that existed there for the “great neighbourhood restaurant”, and wanted to replicate that here in Sydney. He says “We wanted a space that we felt people could forge a relationship with – the type of place we would want to go ourselves – warm service, familiar faces, and food that’s made with love and precision.”
The menu was created by Head Chef Ace Espiritu. He joined the Fauna team with an extensive background working across luxury restaurants, Ace started his culinary journey studying at Ecole Ducasse Manila and has now worked internationally in France, Philippines and Australia, most recently working at the iconic hatted Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.
The Menu is Contemporary Australian, but draws heavy inspiration from Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Ace mentions “When putting together the concept the meal structure was important to us, we wanted people to be able to take their time when dining here, and the classic Italian 4-course structure made the most sense. It helps that I love to cook like that!” Drawing inspiration from his own Filipino roots too, Ace has worked his magic to create a menu that is still familiar to the Western Palate featuring fresh and native produce and ingredients. “If you look at the menu, most dishes sound Italian, but only when you finally see/taste them, do you realise this is not your good ol’ nonna’s recipe.”
Featuring stunning interiors, Fauna exerts romance and intimacy. The natural tones and colours tie into the idea of Fauna being a hidden Oasis. The three spaces within the venue all play a different part into making Fauna unique. The front dining room comfortably fits 16 people with beautiful interiors of marble and rattan and hues of sage and beige. The dining room is the first welcome point into the restaurant. Going upstairs, The Bar Room fits 18 people with a fully functional bar, perfect to host private events or grab a handcrafted beverage – the room feels soft and cosy. Then onto the warmth outside in the garden sun, it is the perfect location for any private events or to sit back and relax with friends and family, with seating for 16.
The team at Fauna aims to leave every customer feeling as though they have discovered something new, found that hidden gem and have the perfect place to create new memories with friends and family. Fauna explores the majestic and oftentimes curious connection of life on earth. Evoking a sense of connection, the aesthetic features custom illustrations marrying flora and fauna alike, alongside handpicked colours, tones and fabrics, bespoke furniture and service that is unmatched.
Fauna is Sydney’s answer to the perfect hidden oasis that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more!
OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday-Saturday Dinner 5.30 pm -12:00 am
Lunch Thursday – Saturday from 11.30 pm -3.30pm
59 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills