Sydney's Hidden Gems: Jimmy's Kitchen, Sofitel Wellness & Bondi's Besa
Welcome to The Detour, your essential guide to the finest flavours, secret spots, expert tips, and memorable new adventures that reward those who venture off the beaten path. If there is one culinary hill I will defend passionately, it is that a cosy, family-style restaurant consistently outshines all others. Jimmy's Kitchen possesses every quality needed to catapult it into the upper echelons of Sydney's dining scene.
Jimmy's Kitchen: A Heartfelt Tribute to Greek Tradition
Concealed from view with only 22 seats, this family-operated Greek taverna in The Rocks, nestled in Campbells Cove behind 6HEAD, was established as a living tribute to hospitality veteran Chris Drivas's late father, Jimmy. Initially, upon hearing about a venue bringing the authentic spirit of a Greek hillside taverna to a location just 15 minutes from my home, I fully intended to, for lack of a better term, gatekeep it. That resolve vanished after my first taste of the homemade pita bread.
With over five decades in the hospitality industry, Chris described the restaurant's December opening as profoundly personal. Jimmy operated tavernas in Greece before moving to Sydney, where father and son subsequently launched 13 cafés together. Jimmy's Kitchen embodies that legacy, from the intimate, family-filled sandstone interiors to the warm, welcoming service philosophy Jimmy championed.
Treat every guest like they are entering your home, Jimmy would say, a mantra Chris now echoes. During my Saturday evening visit, the front-of-house team, while not exuding the boisterous energy typical of a classic Greek taverna, demonstrated clear passion. They allowed guests—every table was occupied—to immerse themselves in conversations, facilitated by audible dialogue over traditional music, moving with quiet precision and delivering impeccable, unpretentious hospitality.
Whether sampling Greek wines, requesting more pita, or seeking honest recommendations, the team responded with genuine warmth. The ambiance may not have felt like home immediately, but it certainly did once settled in—a refreshing experience for a 2026 newcomer.
Culinary Excellence: Traditional Recipes with Modern Flair
In the kitchen, 83-year-old chef Marko Taxidis, who has collaborated with the Drivas family for over forty years, crafts traditional Greek dishes meant for sharing. The menu blends classic Greek cooking with subtle contemporary touches, heavily inspired by recipes Jimmy prepared and shared with his wife.
Standout dishes include the astakos kritharaki, delicate orzo pasta beneath a rich lobster and tomato bisque; lamb kleftiko, slow-braised lamb shoulder with lemon, oregano, cinnamon, and rosemary; and prawn saganaki, baked king prawns with tomato, feta, and oregano. Personal favourites are the dangerously addictive pita with tzatziki, grilled octopus with potato, lemon, chilli, and oregano vinaigrette, lamb souvlaki, and the oven-baked black cod with tomato, onion, capers, and caperberry.
A pro tip: pair a bit of the tomato mixture with the octopus for a chef's kiss moment. The haloumi, drizzled with honey and drenched in herbs, ranks as the best I have ever tasted. The drinks list proudly features Greek Assyrtiko and Xinomavro wines, classic beers, and spirits like Mastiha and Tsipouro, perfectly complementing the generous, family-style menu. A concise yet thoughtful cocktail menu is served in delightfully fun glassware.
From cherished family recipes to immersive interiors and a curated drinks selection, Jimmy's Kitchen transcends being merely a restaurant. It is an ode to family, tradition, and the essence of Greek hospitality, poised to become one of Sydney's most beloved dining establishments with enduring appeal.
Sofitel Wentworth: Embracing Wellness Without Compromise
This iconic Sydney hotel has adeptly navigated a recent hospitality transformation, introducing a sleek new wellness offering designed for reset-focused stays while retaining its renowned five-star hospitality. While many are familiar with this CBD location, few realise it is quietly entering a wellness-centric era, featuring in-room sleep rituals, a refreshed fitness area, and a luxurious recovery sanctuary that epitomises a hidden gem.
The new direction is evident upon entry, despite the persisting self-check-in counters. Guests continue to receive the luxury service synonymous with the Sofitel brand, but the hotel aims to highlight its potential as a genuine wellness destination above the bustling streets—a concept locals are currently eager to invest in.
There is nothing superior to a central location that makes you feel worlds away upon entering, especially when departing well-rested, rejuvenated, and appropriately nourished rather than overindulged. Beyond classic hotel amenities like evening drinks, canapés, afternoon tea, and delectable food options, the space now prioritises sleep and recovery.
This begins with the exceptionally comfortable MYBED™, a major attraction, and extends to the new gym and a little-known recovery area. Guided by the philosophy that wellness is the art of balancing pleasure and wellbeing, the fitness space serves as a sanctuary for guests and locals alike, equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym apparatus and on-demand Reformer Pilates beds—a rarity in such pristine condition.
Behind a large black door within the gym lie immersive recovery therapies: beautifully maintained infrared saunas, a larger traditional sauna, cold plunge baths, and an arctic shower. Wellness also encompasses sleep-supportive in-room rituals, curated bedtime playlists, smart lighting, and mindful dining designed to nourish and restore, making it ideal for couples, solo travellers, locals, or parents seeking respite.
I applaud this direction and anticipate its evolution, hoping for an expanded bath menu, more health-focused in-room dining options, and greater promotion of the recovery nook. A reset staycation is always enjoyable, but leaving genuinely rejuvenated and pampered before the workweek elevates the experience to a guilt-free pleasure.
Besa: Bondi's Vibrant Spanish Tapas Addition
Besa, the latest venture from the team behind Sydney favourites Nour, Henrietta, and Aalia, has opened on Hall Street in Bondi, injecting a lively slice of Spanish tapas culture into the beachside suburb. The first impression is the fit-out: moody red tones, spotted gum timber, and curved booths create a dramatic, almost cinematic atmosphere in the 65-seat venue.
The vibe resembles a Madrid wine bar more than a laid-back Bondi eatery, with DJs enhancing the high-energy ambiance on weekends. The playful cocktail list draws inspiration from the Spanish novel Don Quixote, encouraging patrons to settle in for the evening while exploring a spread of share plates.
Culinary highlights include the pan con tomate, a classic Spanish dish of grilled bread with tomato and olive oil executed flawlessly, and the Gilda, a traditional Basque bar snack featuring a green olive, pickled guindilla pepper, and anchovy on a skewer—a small yet unforgettable bite. Other notable mentions are beef carpaccio, croquetas, crudo, mains like wagyu sirloin, and a side of crispy potatoes topped with spicy bravas sauce and aioli for sharing.
Conclude your evening with one of the rotating daily dessert specials; the churros are particularly moreish. Besa successfully brings a vibrant Spanish tapas experience to Bondi, enriching Sydney's diverse culinary landscape.
