European restaurant Beast&Co is the passion project of Czech owners Petra and Jakub, who bring over a decade of hospitality experience — including managing 300–600 seat venues for Rockpool Dining Group — to this inviting Surry Hills gem. It’s a dining experience that nods to the flavours of their childhoods while embracing modern techniques and seasonal Australian produce.

Rather than recreating traditional Czech fare, Beast&Co reimagines family recipes with contemporary flair. The interiors reflect this blend of old and new: green walls and warm wooden finishes conjure the feeling of a European forest escape, grounded in raw materials and subtle textures.

True to Czech heritage, the drinks list features authentic beers — like the crisp, velvety Pilsner Urquell poured in traditional style — but the cocktail menu also shines. The standout? The Smoking Duck: a smoky, savoury mix of cognac, rye whisky, duck fat, mead, balsamic, and bitters.

The seasonal menu champions nose-to-tail and root-to-tip cooking, minimising waste and maximising flavour. Pickled and fermented vegetables made from cauliflower leaves or beetroot tops sit alongside beautifully crafted proteins. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are thoughtfully included — Beast&Co is about inclusion as much as indulgence.

Meals are designed to share, and the menu offers several appealing dishes. We started with the baked Camembert — a warm, gooey blend of confit garlic, honey, berries and nuts, served with grilled bread. For mains, the pan-fried dry-aged duck with braised red cabbage, blackberries and duck jus was rich and refined, paired beautifully with the comforting baked potato dumplings dressed in truffle béchamel and panko. Owner Petra says this Slovakian dish brings back happy memories.

The boutique wine list is compact but well-chosen, with a global mix of varietals. Our pick: the 2020 Moscone Nebbiolo D’Alba from Piedmont, a medium-bodied red that complemented every dish.

Dessert was a highlight and a must order is the house-made Czech doughnuts with plum chutney, vanilla ice cream, and dry raspberries. Capped off with a pour of Becherovka, a herbal Czech liqueur. The bitter-sweet timeless taste is based on a secret recipe that has remained unchanged since 1807. The liqueur is a mix of approximately 20 herbs, spices, orange oil and pure water from the Bohemian region. Highly recommend asking for this.

With warm, attentive service Beast&Co offers a thoughtful fusion of heart, heritage, and hospitality — where every plate tells a story and every detail feels intentional. With its inventive menu and cosy charm, it’s the kind of restaurant you’ll want to return to, season-after-season.

Just a 10-minute walk from Qtopia, it’s the perfect destination for pre or post theatre dining.

Find Beast&Co at 425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, Sydney