Love, Tilly Devine in Darlinghurst Sydney is a sister venue to Laneway Liquor, created by the prolific Love Tilly Group (Dear Sainte Eloise, Ragazzi Wine and Pasta and Fabbrica) headed by Matt Swieboda and Nathanial Hatwell.

Since its inception over 10 years ago Love, TIlly Devine has worked with the newest and brightest Australian winemakers. Love, Tilly Devine can be difficult to find, hidden in an alleyway in Darlinghurst Sydney, you really have to know what you’re looking for. The namesake notorious 1920s Sydney crime boss (Tilly Devine), would have been proud.

One of the pioneering venues in Australia to champion the minimal intervention or Lo-Fi wine movement, Love, Tilly Devine has really come into its own in the past decade. Matt Swiebodas’ 300-strong wine list is always current, but also pays plenty of respect to the old world.

The split-level space features an open kitchen in the front room, and a wall of wine and bar in the back. The best seat is by the alleyway window, watching the characters passing the door. They may not be 1920s-era shady, but it’s fun, nonetheless.

The menu has expanded over the years from light share plates to a complete dining experience, how they do it in the tiny kitchen there we’ll never know.

Fun fact, Laneway Liquor was metaphorically born at Love, Tilly Devine when, during lockdown Love, Tilly Devine served as an ad-hoc drive through bottle shop.