Decoration is a strong side of Syd. Photo: Krystof Diatka
Decoration is a strong side of Syd. Photo: Krystof Diatka

Come early, it is hard to get a table

Going out is not always about getting crazy and wild (not for everyone at least). Syd is here for people with more distinguished tastes and needs.

Molde’s seaside and harbor offers the most famous local view. The address of the place, Fjordgata 3 (Fjord street 3), is self-explanatory. But that is only one of the perks which Syd has at its disposal. Offering gourmet food is a tough ordeal in a country where eating at home beats going out every time and Grandiosa pizza even makes it to the Christmas table. Nevertheless, Syd manages to fight through that culinary grey.

The interior is dominated by the bar area in the rear. Photo: Krystof Diatka
The interior is dominated by the bar area in the rear. Photo: Krystof Diatka

The environment which Syd welcomes its customers to is very mellow and well arranged. The extra floor built in on one side of the dining room gives the establishment somewhat of an Italian look, perhaps intentionally. Dimmed lights enhance the atmosphere and strengthen appetites.

Syd should be one of the most anticipated options when considering grabbing a bite to eat paired with some good wine and the unique Molde view.

Naked Wednesday at Syd. Photo: Krystof Diatka
Naked Wednesday at Syd. Photo: Krystof Diatka

«When we were opening seven years ago everyone said that Molde is too small for a wine bar and no one will come. We proved them wrong and Syd turned out to be pretty successful,» said Jan Erik Nyland, the manager of Syd.

Italian wines (such as Syd’s most popular Barbera, Barbaresco or Barolo) with French cheeses and Italian sausages are the specialties of the establishment. Needless to say, pairing these is more of a gustation than a full dinner meal. However, they do offer lunch menus on Friday and Saturday, and during summer one could enjoy «the best fish soup in Molde,» according to Jan Erik Nyland.

But the attractiveness of Syd does not end there; this place has the reputation of a musical venue too. Every first Wednesday of each month, Syd arranges the so-called Naken Onsdag (Naked Wednesday) concert with local artists and every second Tuesday is a jazz music night.

Rolf Erik Nustad(right) and André Gussiås (left) during Their performance. photo: Krystof Diatka
André Gussiås (left) and Rolf Erik Nustad (right) during their performance. Photo: Krystof Diatka

One should not expect a loud concert here. It is more of a chamber music setting where the audience is supposed to quietly enjoy the musical experience. Like the Naked Wednesday on (3/2/2016) when  Rolf Erik Nustad on guitar and André Gussiås on piano performed their number with various Elvis Presley songs and other classical rock pieces.

There is no entrance fee for these concerts, but given that Syd is a wine bar, some spending on food and drinks is expected. The information about Naked Wednesday and other arrangements can be found on Syd’s web page: www.motsyd.no

Decoration is a strong side of Syd.
Decoration is a strong side of Syd. Photo: Krystof Diatka

If this kind of evening sound like your cup of tea, then a concluding word of advice is in order: come early for Naked Wednesday. It is hard to get a table there these nights. Additionally, the staff does not serve customers food during the performance so if you are interested in some gustation then it might be a good idea to get there in good time before the concert starts.