Apero

We found this place totally by coincidence after walking on K road. Everything about this place was absolutely outstanding. It is small-​ish wine bar, with the exposed brick wall giving it a cool feeling, while the nice wood tables and the dim light made it feel very rustic and cozy. The staff was just outstanding — gave us great wine recommendations and was very helpful with the food as well. I had one of the daily specials — mushroom ravioli with with more mushrooms and cheese on top. The portion was not big but it was some of the best mushroom ravioli I have ever had. They were rich, earthy and creamy. My bf had the falafel balls which I tried and for such small things they were packed with flavor. He also had the goat cheese croquettes which I couldn’t try but he was really happy with. We loved everything about this place, and can’t wait to go back.

My first time here was a series of events from the gorgeous 2 dogs sitting at the door whilst their masters sat inside making their fury mouths water. To the homeless guy sucking on his plastic glue bag who thought he’d use the dogs as his pillow till the Restaurant owner Mo had the Police come and drag him away. Only on K Road.
Now to the food and service. The owners of Apero, chef Leslie Hottiaux (ex-​sous chef at The Grove and Baduzzi) and her partner Ismo Koski (aka Mo, ex maitre d’ at Sidart and Merediths).
Mo is in charge of front of house and is good at it, explaining the menu extensively to us.
The menu is short but has delightful dishes that you can tell are cookid by a female Chef. Tiny goat’s cheese croquettes, lightly fried then rolled in almond flakes are fantastic but I wish were slightly bigger at $ 8 for two as small as my baby finger.
A «bag of bread and butter» turns up in an intriguing fabric sack filled with warm bread rolls, accompanied by a piece of slate generously slashed with butter. A plump ball of burrata is served with different colour heirloom tomatoes, basil and olive oil which I absoloutely loved. A house-​made pork sausage which we ordered 1 and a ¼ mts for the table of 9 of us was really yummy.
A plate of petit fours includes an apple jelly and some Madeleines were the dessert offerings but you could tell that this place was more about the shared boards and wine as the Dessert just didn’t do it for me and I just found it all very soapy tasting.
At Apero the food is beautifully presented, pay them a visit. But think of somewhere else to go for dessert and tea if that’s your bag as this is not their thing.

Could’ve easily been in a local in France — with a Spanish twist. Loved everything about Apero. Where it is (K’Rd), the room, lighting, service, wine list is exceptional and, boy, does the owner/​waiter know his wines. His suggestions were perfection with our food. The chef, his wife, is French. We shared plates of heated olives swimming in tasty oil, roasted mushrooms. Possibly the best I have eaten. Iberico ham, bread — hot, crusty, just out of the oven slathered in salty butter — terrine, goats cheese croquettes — tiny little bites of crunchy/​melty heaven. And their Toulouse-​style handmade pork sausage served by the quarter, half or metre. «Is it free range pork?» I asked with a smile. «Of course!» came the clipped and astonished reply. These people are passionate about their offerings. Absolutely yummy. Desserts aren’t really their thing, or mine so no problem there. Couldn’t have been happier paying at the end especially to the strains of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day. Nuit parfaite, Apero.

New to K Rd and focussing just as strongly on its wine collection as its food, Apero is one to try. Think wine bar with seriously good, small share plates. The house made pork sausage is the best I’ve had in a while, perfectly seasoned and accompanied by the sharp flavours of mustard and pickled gherkins. The goats cheese croquettes were tiny, but full of flavour. The Iberico ham, melon and hazelnuts were a perfect match and the burrata was creamy and fresh with pesto, garlic, olive oil and fresh tomatoes. Make sure you order the bread which comes oven warm in its own bag along with soft smoked butter. Only two sweet offerings, cute little madeleines or petite fours (probably pass on those next time). K Rd offers a lively backdrop with lots of bustling activity right outside the door while inside you get to enjoy some of the best food and wine.

Are you kidding me … An establishment of this level of class with warm hosting and delights so tasty the menu l says nothing of the true delights awaiting … Someone knows how to cook like the mad French grandma you never had meets today.
This place is full of passion, exposed brick and lower east side attitude.
This is a wine bar of the very best nature.
This is the place Krd always needed but now has … Hurry … The clams are awaiting.