Caravin

14.5/20Critics' Pick

Updated October 26, 2026,first published November 11, 2024

14.5/20Critics' Pick

Caravin

French$$

A boisterous shrine to minimal-intervention wine.

Towards the end of the meal, the floor and kitchen crew have crowded around a bowl near the pass, spoons out. It’s easy to imagine this new-dish excitement is a common sight at Caravin: a daily-changing, French-leaning natural wine bar in the Cross’s old Dumplings & Beer room, where the energy is as infectious as the cooking.

Tightly packed candlelit tables, wine glasses dangling from under the staircase, a repurposed plus-sized olive tin keeping your bottle cold – the room, like the food, has charm to spare.

Pumpkin fritti manifests as crisp batter outside, creamy veg within, the accompanying ajo blanco lifted by macadamia, garlic and breadcrumbs. Wagyu sirloin is exceptionally handled and hums with a herby bearnaise (tip: add a side of fries for the dunking potential alone), while a butterflied king prawn is pooled with addictive sobrasada-spiked butter. A good thing in a small package? And then some.

Good to know: The daily apero hour is perfect for finding your new favourite bottle.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.

Last visited: May 2026

Continue this series

Eastern Suburbs

Up next