It’s official: Kittyhawk New York is back, and it’s bringing high-energy vibes, late-night pasta, and an all-star DJ lineup to the CBD.

Reopening today (Friday 4th April), this reimagined venue from hospitality heavyweight Jared Merlino (Merlino & Co) is set to be the ultimate go-to for after-dark dining and live music.

Kittyhawk New York takes its cue from the late-night cocktail bars of NYC, channeling the pulse of the city with a mix of live music, killer drinks, and an Italian-American menu designed for late-night feasting. Think Big Poppa’s meets Manhattan—a spot where the tunes are loud, the pasta keeps flowing, and the cocktails hit just right.

“After eight years of Kittyhawk as an old-world Parisian cocktail bar, we decided it was time to dial up the energy,” says Merlino. “We wanted to create a high-energy space with live entertainment at its core.”

Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Marco Costa (Glorietta, Sydney), who’s putting Italian-American flavours front and center. Expect a rotating menu of 6-8 seasonal pasta dishes, high-quality proteins, and classic Italian snacks—served right up until closing time.

The drinks program, curated by Venue Manager Daniel Hilton, keeps things effortlessly cool with reworked classics and top-shelf pours. And for those who like their nights a little extra, there’s a high-end spirits cart rolling through the booths, plus an all-new Happy Hour (4–6 PM daily) to get things started.

Music is the heartbeat of Kittyhawk New York. With DJs spinning five nights a week, the soundtrack blends hip-hop, funk, soul, and disco with an NYC underground edge. The venue’s evolution takes inspiration from Sydney icon Big Poppa’s, promising a space where dining, drinks, and dancefloor moments go hand in hand.

Taking centre stage—literally—is a 1.5-metre custom marble mural of rap legend Busta Rhymes, a nod to the venue’s NYC spirit and its Big Poppa’s roots.

Bringing even more big-city flavour, Kittyhawk New York is teaming up with legendary cocktail bars from New York City for week-long takeovers. Expect menu collaborations, cocktail masterclasses, and immersive events that bring the best of the Big Apple to Sydney’s nightlife scene.

Doors open Friday, April 4. Get ready for a venue where the pasta is fresh, the beats are fire, and the vibes don’t quit.

Find out more info here.