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“Forget everything your mother told you about avoiding Strangers with
candy: this cute corner pit stop’s polished floors and red banquette make
for an intimate supper seduction.” Rachel Smith Dining Secrets Sydney (01/10/2005) Read more... “Willingly seduced by a funky little number.” Keith Austin Sydney Morning Herald Good Living (18/11/2003) Read more... “Can’t resist Strangers with Candy - Putting the flavour back in food.” Jordan Kerr SX Magazine Devine Dine (25/08/2005) Read more... Never mind the bollocking. Helen Greenwood Sydney Morning Herald Good Living (23/11/2004) Read more... “Strangers with Candy – We love it!” The Restaurant Club (26/02/2004) Read more...  "I'm not afraid of Strangers with Candy, not when the candy is as tempting as this." FiFi Sunday Telegraph Magazine - Glutton Read more... "Strangers with Candy is a dining experience not to be missed". The Australian Pork Newspaper (15/10/2004) “One of those rare finds, the food is just beautiful.” 2UE - Restaurant Review (20/03/2004)  Have your say and review us at: Eatability.com.au
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Jordan Kerr (25/08/2005) Can’t resist Strangers with Candy Putting the flavour back in food We’re seeing an unfortunate trend developing with a lot of restaurants who seem to be afraid of bold flavour, opting instead for blander meals reflecting the simple cooking skills (and to a degree, the tastes) of a generation who grew up assembling meals rather than ‘cooking’. All hope is not lost though, prepare for a taste bud revival that snaps you out of ‘bland’ and straight into flavour country. Strangers with Candy got its quirky name from the Comedy Central program of the same name. As well as being catchy, it alludes to the idea of being tempted by the promise of great food and lured by a child like inquisitive nature. This certainly holds true as you enter the quaint and cosy restaurant in Sydney’s Redfern. The absence of harsh lighting and intrusive music is conducive to conversation and I found myself comfortable as if I were eating at a friends place, only none of my friends can cook like this! The menu includes dishes like tea smoked Atlantic salmon with creamy leek and fresh herb risotto, duck confit with apple and ginger agrodolce and red wine jus, and char grilled beef tenderloin with roasted field mushroom and béarnaise sauce (highly recommended).Another modern pitfall many restaurants seem to fall for is creating architecturally perfect looking meals that are completely uninviting. Strangers with Candy have fantastic presentation, but the dishes remain homely. Fantastic attention is given to the details and flavours without being fussy. Moving incredibly quickly through courses was not a reflection of any exaggerated hunger, it was eagerness to explore the explosions of flavour in every mouthful. Before you know it your scrolling down the dessert menu trying to narrow it down. On offer, passion fruit and lime pudding with double cream and passion fruit curd, ginger infused panna cotta with poached strawberries and glass biscuit, strawberry and kirsch parfait with strawberry salad and vanilla wafer and on the specials menu, homemade lime mascarpone shortcake with poached quince and praline. Fortunately my date and I were on friendly enough terms to share.All the attention to the creation of food can often mean
other parts of the dining experience are overloooked. Wait staff that are
at your table every 2 minutes may feel like they’re being attentive but
end up being a ‘3rd‘ guest. Mabel, our waitress was perfectly measured in
this capacity, I feel it warrants mention as it’s such a delicate balance. In short, ideal first date guaranteed to produce many anniversaries to come. For more information you can visit their website, www.strangerswithcandy.com.au Starters $12.50, Mains $26.50, Desserts $12.50 |
 Score 14/20 "You could happily spend all day here, including dinner, but weekends start with a brunch bruschetta laden with prosciutto and balsamic mushrooms, or smoked salmon and horseradish crème, assured coffee and service as bright as the sunshine." Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2008 Breakfast Top 10  Score 14/20 "This former shopfront is home to an engaging eatery. The eclectic charm of comforting wood tones, candle-lit tables and burgundy walls and the warm welcome from staff; not to mention the food, which is consistently appetising." Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007  Score 14/20 "The colours are bold and the name is cheeky, the service chirpy and the food striking. So take something perky or quirky to quaff, chill out in the courtyard or cosy up at the front, and let the pleasures wash all over you." Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide BYO Top 10 2006  "This smartly named restaurant is newly refurbished with banquettes in the front room and other comfy changes." Sydney Eats 2006 
"Never mind what your mother told
you - this is one time you should say yes to strangers with candy."
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