The Ilu Ilu Bar on Regent Street is the "COVID-baby" of installation artist Abhiruchi Chhikara who wanted another creative outlet and a way to share the culture she grew up with.

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In the first weeks of opening, Ms Chhikara said she had been surprised how enthusiastic people were to try her samosas, kachori, chilli margaritas and alcoholic mango lassis (a blended yoghurt drink popular in northern parts of India).

"Even the little nibbles we've got, they are the nibbles I grew up with," she said.

"We've been quite surprised with people's openness to everything and they're trying everything on the menu, like the chilli margaritas.

"We were like 'oh, I don't know how people will feel, like how much chilli can they handle'."

Their rose martinis and hibiscus sours have also been popular with thirsty clientele,and have been "flying out".

Blue velvet envelops the indoor area with accents of bright embroidered cushions from Kashmir, in the north of India, which Ms Chhikara's mum mailed over.

Sparkly fabric is draped from the roof, sent from the artist's home town of New Delhi, and gold accents glisten everywhere from the cutlery to the cocktail shakers to the light fittings and candles.

Ms Chhikara said she just wanted to bring her favourite things from home and share them with the Illawarra, while her husband Jason Chin was her "sounding board" for ideas.

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The pair had originally planned to open the venture in August, but like many other businesses their plans had to change with the recent lockdown across Greater Sydney.

As the duo began preparing to open as a takeaway cocktail service, the NSW government announced their road map, signalling their dream bar could open its doors properly.

Since opening in late October, the bar has been at full capacity on Friday and Saturday nights with people so happy to be able to go out again, according to Ms Chhikara.

Ilu Ilu Bar is currently open Wednesday to Sunday. www.ilubar.com.au

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