Iberica — Restaurant in Sydney

Mixed but promising experience.

The food was excellent. Kingfish ceviche, seafood paella were excellent. The paella was served in a skillet and it was hot enough that a perfect socarrat formed. The cocktails likewise were as good as any speciality bar, our favourite had smoked paprika and tequila.

We went on a Saturday night, which was understandably busy. But had the misfortune of coinciding with a function booking. They were really very busy. We arrived ten minutes early, were seated ten minutes late. Entirely understandable. However, it took them another 20 minutes to take our order, and only then when I actively got their attention.

On the upside the food came out almost instantly, and was delicious. And from then on there was more service, but unfortunately at this stage it just made it feel rushed. We had noted in the booking that this was for our anniversary, but the experience was like being a walk in.

Some regulars came in at the same time as us and were offered cocktails while they were standing, so they definitely take care of their customers. We would have happily ordered and drank more if the vibe was different. We decided to skip dessert and more drinks in favour of another venue down the road - it wound up being a good choice to leave, the service at the next place was excellent.

The food was great, the staff although busy were amiable, and they clearly have good rapport with their regulars. Even with the mixed experience I’d like to try more of the food, I just might phone ahead and ask what...

I don’t have words to describe how exceptional the food, service and atmosphere are in Iberica! This place is the best Spanish restaurant in Sydney! My husband and I were desperate as I had booked a table at 7:30pm on a Saturday for 15 people in a restaurant nearby to celebrate my bday. However, when we arrived the restaurant was closed and I had not been advised or contacted about the unforeseen circumstance. We tried to book another restaurant last minute and my guests were also trying to help but it was impossible. The restaurants were laughing at us as this is such a busy time in Bondi and almost impossible to get a place for dinner last minute for such a large group. However, Iberica made the impossible to accomodate myself and all my friends. At the end all my guests had such a wonderful time! We went with the set menu and they all loved the delicious foods and tapas. We were the last ones to leave the restaurant and all staff were patient and kind enough to wait for us. I’m forever grateful for all Iberica has done in my bday and for doing more than their day-to-day work, but truly connecting and having empathy with my situation. They did not know me but they did all they could to ensure I had an amazing birthday celebration and I felt so special and so did my guests! They all said “it was much better than planned”. Thank you thank you thank you! Obrigada!!...

Living around the block and after walking by a couple of times we finally went in yesterday without much expectations.

Good thing we did, everything clicks in this place and we were pleasantly surprised.

From a well thought through, comfy and stylish interior to super friendly service matching the casual vibe of the place to comforty, tasty food.

We were in the mood for some red wine due to the colder weather and the recommendation from the waiter was spot on based on our normal drinking preferences. Also liked that he casually recommended wines at different price levels.

The food was well executed, matching our expectations in this price category pretty well. Highlight was the seafood paella with a few twists, a very good seafood to rice ratio and much better than most we had.

Overall a very solid choice for a casual dinner without too much fuss in a welcoming space and atmosphere. We walked in and getting a place on the bar was no issue at all.

We...