Rambutan
The Restaurant
Rambutan bloomed into fruition in 2007. The name is derived from the mysterious red Thai furry fruit and its art of pulling back the unusual and unsuspecting skin to reveal a beautiful, flavoursome, exotic treat inside. Rambutan is the 'go to' setting for the discreet diner & cocktail lover, sheltered away from the limelight and hustle and bustle of its iconic Oxford Street city fringe location. Once passing through the door you realise, in the true Rambutan form, this venue is full of surprises - and many long nights of culinary ecstasy are always guaranteed. As well as the communal dining table, which seats up to 24 people, Rambutan has intimate tables for 2, 4 or 6 as required.
"…this project is about what we treasure; friends, food, drink and design. Rambutan has allowed us an expression of our passion in all these areas." - Joe Natale, Director
"The Bottom Line… Rambutan deserves its reputation as the best Thai restaurant in Sydney. Joe Milena and staff… you've earned this esteemed award through your hard work. Raising the bar and setting a high standard for a stylish dining excellence in Thai cuisine... Rambutan is a vital part of my return visits back to Sydney - it makes my trip ever so more wonderful. Thank you for your dedication to providing fabulous cuisine, the greatest cocktails in town and a magnificently stylish hang out." - Ryma Taouk
Rambutan
Menu
Dishes from Southern Thailand feature prominently on the menu but each has been given a modern twist. The Thai-favourite betel leaf for example is served at Rambutan with tea-smoked trout and chilli eggplant relish, while the signature fruit Rambutan is infused in a tamarind sauce which is served with what is arguably one of the most popular dishes the crispy duck.
"…our style of cooking has a unique point of difference when compared with Sydney's Thai eateries." - Joe Natale, Director
"What's in a name…? The food this Thai newcomer serves is so good that they could have called it Fermented Shrimp Head Paste and I'd still be there." - Pat Nourrse Gourmet Traveller
"I am enjoying Rambutan in Darlinghurst. Would have to be the greatest Thai food I have tried in Sydney, and also has a great bar downstairs to hang out in after your meal." - Joe Avati
Rambutan
About the Kitchen
A dedicated team lead the back of house at Rambutan. The kitchen prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, with owner Joe Natale (who started Sydney's premier fresh produce providores Lime Time) overseeing the freshness and quality control of every recipe, hand in hand with the head chef. The open plan kitchen complements the dining room as the aromas harmonise with the buzz of the diners to create a sleek albeit relaxed atmosphere.
"We have just found our new favourite Thai joint. 4/5" - The Sunday Telegraph
"I live on Oxford St but I actually felt I was somewhere totally different; the restaurant is really beautiful, modern, clean and bursting with the smell fresh Thai ingredients. I can't wait to go back again next week!" - Evilino
Rambutan
Bookings & Functions
Intimate functions, after parties, dining experiences and birthdays have been hosted for local and International guests including The Veronicas, Richard Branson, Jennifer Hawkins, The Alice Cooper Band and Super rock group 'KISS', all of whom are welcomed through the VIP back entrance.
Rambutan takes pride in its 'cult' following of loyal regulars - who are known by name (and favourite cocktail).
Should you require film and photography services or a unique entertainment package - please contact the Rambutan team on 02 9360 7772.
"The food is simply sensational, even after having worked in so many fine restaurants in Sydney I can still say the food here is of exceptional quality. The ambience speaks for itself, the interior is fitted out very nicely, you definitely don't feel as though the hustle and bustle of Oxford St is outside. I can only say, see for yourself and you'll see why this place is a gem." - Kiri
Rambutan
Contact
Rambutan invites you to come and experience
Opening hours:
Friday 12noon for lunch.
Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 6pm - 11pm with the award winning cocktail bar (downstairs) open til late. Rambutan will provide an outstanding experience whether it is a party of 2 or a function of 100.
For all cocktail bar, dining, catering bookings and gift vouchers, please contact:
Rambutan | 96 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010 | (02) 9360 7772 info@rambutan.com.au
For reviews, media enquiries functions, charity sponsorship, and interviews please contact: Chris Sioris | chris@theAgencyaustralia.com |+61 (0) 413 447 998
For employment opportunities, please send your resume to milena@rambutan.com.au
Rambutan
Joe Natale
Joe Natale is a self-made man. An entrepreneur, restaurateur and businessman whose ability to dream big, be inspired and dedicate himself to his work, saw him turn his life around.
Born and raised in Sydney's western suburbs, Joe had a tough upbringing, and the family was helped out regularly by the Salvation Army. Joe was forced to leave school at the age of 14 to help support his mother and three siblings. He began work at a restaurant in circular quay and it was here that Joe first fell in love with good food and the experience that came with fine dining.
After managing several restaurants, Joe opened his first cafe in Rozelle at the young age of 21. While business was good, Joe was not satisfied. He wanted to see the world and so, at 23, signed up to become a flight attendant. It was this time in his life when Joe began to build an appreciation of design and the finer things in life. Visiting so many international cities Joe was inspired by the restaurants of the world and the ranges in style and decor he saw and experienced.
During his time as a flight attendant Joe visited Amsterdam, where he noticed that there was no good Italian restaurant around town. Instantly he had an idea - he would bring his experience of fine Italian dining to Holland. Joe spent two years in Amsterdam as a consultant for an Italian restaurant, and eventually buying the establishment. His restaurant was reviewed with 8.5 out of 10, the equivalent of 18 out of 20 by Sydney ratings! Famous Dutch food critic, Johannes van Dam praised Joe for his wealth of knowledge, and the high standard of customer service he brought to the industry.
Rambutan
Joe Natale
Missing home, Joe was eventually drawn back to Australia. Upon his return and always the innovator, he began Lime Time, a company selling limes directly to bars and restaurants in and around Sydney. Starting the company with only his ambition and $1400 under his belt, Joe turned his idea into a thriving business. The business expanded to incorporate Joe's love of fresh produce sourcing and providing all kinds of fruits and vegetables to its customers.
Joe's current aim, together with his wife Milena, is to focus on his 2 year young restaurant and cocktail lounge Rambutan, named after the South-East Asian fruit. Located on Darlinghurst's Oxford Street, Rambutan is well-known for its unconventional Thai delicacies and cocktail concoctions. Designed and decorated by Joe, he wanted to bring to his patrons a venue that is sexy without being pretentious, a warm and inviting place that you could easily spend hours in. Visually stunning, Rambutan can be described as "Europe meets Miami" with Missoni fringing and bronzed bamboo-patterned Florence Broadhurst wallpaper.
With hopes to expand in the near future, Joe plans to revisit his heritage by opening up an Italian eatery. A restaurant which focuses on simplicity, able to perfect the basic flavours of Italian cuisine, a menu reminiscent of his mums cooking!
In addition to his work, Joe is dedicated to giving back to the Salvation Army, never forgetting how invaluable the charity was to him and his family in times of struggle.