Elegant, refined and a whole lot of fun – that’s the character of “Lucia”, the namesake of this Spanish-inspired bar and restaurant by Sydney hospitality group Milpa Collective.

Milpa is known for its stable of Mexican-inspired restaurants (Carbon, Taqiza, Sonora and Londres 126, among others), and its unparalleled mezcal and tequila selection. Here, the group swaps its usual Mexican inspiration for Madrid.

Teaming Spanish flavours with local produce, tapas-style plates might range from a classic Catalan starter of pan tumaca (bread and tomato topped with jamon) to roasted sea scallops served on the shell in saffron butter. Various croqueta – perhaps jamon and spinach, a crab, and a Basque cheese number – are mandatory ordering. For dessert, it might be orange marmalade served with yoghurt and orange granita

Head bartender Luna Ercoli, who’s resume includes acclaimed international cocktail bars Paradiso (Barcelona) and Alquímico (Columbia), has put together the cocktail menu. There’s Sangria of course, alongside fun creations denoted as either sweet, sour, umami, refreshing and so forth – so you know exactly what you’re in for.

A 50-strong wine list showcases Australian producers, with a focus on New South Wales growers. An evolving by-the-glass wine list champions women makers.

The interiors are just as big a draw as the dining, with the dramatic arched entry, sculptural arrangements of dried flowers and a salon hang of classical-style paintings lining one wall of the chequerboard-floored room.