Restaurant
Gildas
46-48 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Find Gildas
46-48 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Gildas
Lennox Hastie’s Surry Hills wine bar cuts straight to northern Spain—skipping fuss for cold drinks and Basque pintxos. Diners single out the timber counter as the top perch, trading notes with the chefs as skewers hit the grill. Early tables start with cider poured from height or house Oliba martinis, moving through plates of cured ham, runny tortilla, and wagyu with charred onions. Evenings wind down over slices of cheesecake, guided by staff who know the bottle list front to back.
- Open Kitchen Bar: Watch the kitchen assemble skewers and sear seasonal plates over embers right from the front-row counter.
- Basque Pintxos & Cider: Signature olive-and-anchovy gildas, acorn-fed jamón, classic tortilla, and traditional aerated cider pours.
- Martinis & Aperitivo Hour: Pair house Oliba martinis and inventive Spanish pours with early savory bites before dinner plans.
What's On at Gildas
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Gildas
Basque culinary craft meets relaxed Surry Hills charm—book your table or counter seat to experience it firsthand.
Front-Row Kitchen Bar Dining
Guests seated along the kitchen counter enjoy an immersive culinary vantage point, watching each dish come together while engaging directly with the kitchen team.
lovely to sit at the chef’s bar to see the food being prepared and chat to the chefs.
Sarah C Authentic Basque Pintxos & Cider Rituals
From namesake gilda skewers to authentic aerated cider pours, the venue delivers specialized Basque dining traditions executed with thoughtful regional technique.
Loved the option of a traditonal cider (including the pour) and evey dish sampled was delicious
Belle Peccavi An Unhurried Sanctuary to Linger
The warm timber dining room and hospitable service create an unhurried, comfortable atmosphere where diners naturally slow down and savor the meal.
It’s cosy, tasteful, and one of those places you could happily sit in all day.
Jessica M Rizk Warm, Attentive Hospitality
Attentive staff and an evocative, open-kitchen energy make guests feel genuinely cared for from the moment they walk through the doors.
We left wishing we could’ve stayed all night.
Georgia E Effortless Pre-Dinner Drinks & Happy Hour
A stellar early-evening offering makes the bar a seamless starting point for aperitivo-style drop-ins, signature martinis, and small bites before a night out.
The happy hour wine prices were so reasonable and the happy hour wine was delicious!
Lisa Gooch Tailored for Intimate Dates and Catch-Ups
With its share-plate format and intimate, buzzing ambiance, the space adapts seamlessly from romantic dinner dates to relaxed catch-ups over wine.
Great venue for a casual catch up with friends or for a date night.
Kenny C
Most popular items
Guest favorites from the Basque-inspired menu
Jamón Serrano
The standout for me was the Jamón Serrano - it simply melted in your mouth and was some of the best I’ve ever had.
Eve Gilda Skewer
We had the signature Gilda skewer to start
Hsien Ming Lee Wagyu Tartare
Loved the Wagyu Tartare, I could’ve ordered another one straight afterwards!
Sarah C Basque Cheesecake
the cheesecake was so good.
Rathasart “Vin” Cherkong
Other favorites
Discover regional Spanish sips, aperitif pours, and house-made desserts—book your spot to experience the full depth of the menu.
Traditional Cider
Loved the option of a traditonal cider (including the pour)
Belle Peccavi Tocino de Cielo
Finished with the Tocino de Cielo, a rich custard with caramel.
Mark Morris Buffalo Milk Soft Serve
The buffalo milk soft serve, strawberry, pistachio was a great sweet finisher for the set menu.
Kenny C Happy Hour Wine
The happy hour wine prices were so reasonable and the happy hour wine was delicious!
Lisa Gooch
Beyond the menu
Distinctive culinary rituals and personalized hospitality that elevate an evening at Gildas—book your counter or table seat today.
Interactive Kitchen Counter Guidance
Diners perched at the open kitchen counter receive attentive, direct guidance from the chefs as they prepare dishes, making menu recommendations in real time.
Traditional Basque Cider Pour
The dining room presents traditional Basque cider service, complete with the customary high aerated pour to awaken the cider's natural effervescence.
Personal Welcome from Lennox Hastie
Chef Lennox Hastie frequently steps out into the dining room to personally greet guests at their tables, creating an immediate sense of warmth and occasion.
Attentive Gluten-Free Accommodations
The kitchen team proactively adapts its shared Basque plates for guests with dietary restrictions, tailoring dishes seamlessly for gluten-free dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ordering and portion sizing work?
Dishes are designed for sharing Basque-style, featuring pintxos, skewers, and small plates. While individual portions appear compact, ordering a varied progression across skewers, snacks, and mains provides a filling meal. Banquet and set menus are also offered.
Can you sit at the kitchen counter?
Guests can sit at the chef's bar right along the open kitchen to observe food preparation up close and interact directly with the chefs.
Should you book in advance or can you walk in?
Gildas accepts reservations and can accommodate bookings, while also welcoming guests who drop in early for drinks and snacks before dinner service.
What are the parking options nearby?
Street parking is available in the surrounding Surry Hills neighborhood, including free and paid street options. Guests typically plan around two hours for a full dining experience.
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