Steven Woodburn

Casa Esquina is the latest restaurant from Atticus Hospitality who also run Sydney venues Esteban and Tequila Mockingbird.

The Argentinian eatery will open on 15 February in the historic landmark building which formerly hosted L’Unico and Efendy.

Head Chef Will Quartel who has worked across the group’s other venues will lead the food offering after spending a three-week stint in Argentina alongside Atticus Hospitality Director Michael Fegent.

Guests can expect a menu championing fire, with Casa Esquina hosting an open-flame parrilla and custom-made parrilla BBQ.

Casa Esquina will serve Argentinian-style street food on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for takeaway, while on Sundays the parrilla BBQ will play a starring role to cook whole lambs and suckling pigs for guests.

Alongside the meat, guests can expect Argentinian-style pizza fugazzeta; sweet bread and prawn paella; black garlic pasta with stracciatella; and kangaroo and maraschino cherry empanadas.

Steven Woodburn.

The venue’s wine list will showcase bottles from across South America and Argentina alongside drops from Australia and Spain.

The signature Tequila Mockingbird cocktail from the group’s Paddington venue will be on order at the new opening, as well as a Fernet Royale which is a take on Argentina’s national drink Fernet-Branca and Coca Cola.

“The venue is elevated but approachable – a sophisticated take on Argentinian fire-cooked food but with a friendly, local, and approachable vibe,” says Fegent.

“We are putting a lot of emphasis on creating an offering where people can come in and have a well-priced meal on a Tuesday night or go all out on the weekend or for a special occasion – there’s something for everyone!”

Casa Esquina opens on 15 February at 79 Elliot Street, Balmain, New South Wales.