Monica, a new East Asian bistro and cocktail bar, is set to open its doors in Adelaide’s East End in late January 2025. Located at 14 East Terrace, the space once home to Nostru wine bar will soon be turned into a Hong Kong-inspired venue, bringing together bold flavours, innovative dishes, and creative cocktails.
Ben Liew and Karl Tang, known for their first restaurant Makan, are behind the new venue, inspired by Hong Kong’s nightlife from the late ’80s and early ’90s.
“Monica will become a place for people to settle in for a drink and snack after work, or a dinner destination, and a chilled yet vibey spot to settle in for a late night on the weekends,” Karl said.
“While we will have the classic cocktail options on offer, I’m excited to introduce some new flavour profiles to those who visit Monica, drawing inspiration from traditional East Asian ingredients such as duck fat, spices and a range of botanicals.”
Diners can expect to find unique mixes such as mango sticky rice clarified milk punch, ginger Coca Cola flavoured old fashioned, and a pandan cream foam highball among others.
Complimenting the cocktail list, Ben Liew has crafted a menu that merges flavours from a range of East Asian cuisines including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Mongolian, and Taiwanese influences. The menu is designed to appeal to everyone, featuring both small plates and a few select mains. Standout dishes include Wagyu beef tartare with nashi pear and kimchi mayo, Hong Kong style typhoon shelter chargrilled barramundi wings, and a 14 day dry-aged roasted duck breast dressed with umeshu plum.
“I had lots of fun curating this menu…there are a lot of Southeast Asian focused venues around,
and not many that showcase the flavours of eastern Asia, so that’s a point of difference that I’m
excited to bring to the East End,” Ben said.
Monica’s interior design is set to take diners into a nostalgic era reminiscent of Hong Kong nightlife, with red neon lights, dim and moody lighting, and bright colours across the decor. The venue will also feature a vinyl record sound system, taking the atmosphere to the next level, particularly on weekend nights.
With a seating capacity of 40, Monica aims to offer a cosy yet vibrant setting for both casual post-work drinks and more substantial dining experiences.
“We can’t wait to welcome people to Monica and immerse them in East Asian culture, where they will enjoy good cocktails, good food and an overall good vibe,” Karl said.
What: Monica
When: Opening late January 2025
Where: 14 East Terrace, Adelaide
Instagram: @monicaadll
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