Wilbur's Place - Potts Point

Location: On Llankelly Place in Potts Point. 3 minute walk from Kings Cross Station or 10 minute cab ride from the CBD.

Profiled by de groots media: Sydney’s recent casual dining trend is transforming fine-diners into bistros, degustations into simple a-la carte fare and bakers into restaurateurs. This is the case at hole-in-wall eatery, Wilbur’s Place in Potts Point.
Known as the Gods of artisanal baked goods, Paul Allam and David Mcguinness started Bourke Street Bakery in 2004. Today, queues continue to line the street at their original Surry Hills corner cafe – anxiously waiting to get their hands on of their famous strawberry and vanilla brulee tarts or a fresh-from-the-oven walnut sourdough.
The popularity of Paul and David’s work has seen them open three more cafes across Sydney in Alexandria, Marrickville and Potts Point, all of which now also have a loyal following of customers.

Wilbur’s Place is a little different. Much like it’s sister, Bourke Street Bakery Potts Point, located just around the corner on Macleay Street, the fit out is minimalistic. With wrought iron trimmings, an old school black and white menu board and exposed brick walls – the space screams of industrial chic. Old glass milk bottles serve as water caraffes and simple cedar wood communal tables try to offer as much seating in the small space. What Paul and David have clearly saved on the fit out, they make up for on the quality menu and reasonable prices.

The breakfast menu showcases some Bourke Street Bakery celebrities including their brioche bun, served with an exquisite twist of rhubarb custard. Staples such as museli and yoghurt and omelettes also get a mention. The standout is the croque Monsieur which is loaded full of melted gruyere and ham, with two slices of crunchy but moist sourdough slices. The Allpress coffee is rich and aromatic and comes out quickly – just what you need on a lazy Saturday morning.

The lunch and dinner menu breaks into character with dishes such as salt cod fritters and lasagne of roast Japanese pumpkin. The duck leg with walnuts, Jerusalem artichchoke mash and goats cheese offers a more substantial option while a handful of lighter salads including warm porchetta and gravlax offer summer time options.

It’s cash only and corkage is $8 per bottle, Wilbur’s Place is great for a no-fuss mid week meal.

Anna Lisle