Sydney welcomes a bunch of new restaurants and bars to celebrate freedom!
It’s been a bleak winter without the warmth of the hospitality industry. But there’s light at the end of the tunnel and it’s shining in the form of freshly shaken cocktails, expertly prepared dishes and educated wine recommendations. Get excited about these new restaurants and bars in Sydney.
Ursula’s, Paddington
There’s plenty of charming neighbourhood restaurants in Sydney, but one that seems to be the talk of the town is Ursula’s in Paddington. Chef Phil Wood takes credit for this new addition as his first independent restaurant. The space undertook a major interior renovation boasting rich caramel tones, crisp silks, softly textured walls and bespoke plaster pendant lighting over the tables. Wood is at the helm of the kitchen executing his interpretation of Australian bistro cuisine. Find out more here
Chuck Trailer’s, Bondi
Introducing Chuck Trailer’s, the new dive bar experience set to shake up Bondi Beach in December. No longer do the locals need to flock to the city for Frankies, The Barrie or Shady Pines Saloon. They can get their deep-fried food, hard liquor and loud music fix in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs. Find out more here
Banco Manly
Nestled down an unassuming back alleyway in Manly, the 32 seater restaurant is giving popular city venues a run for their money. Executive Chef Dan Webb is at the helm of the kitchen bringing modern British cuisine to the table. As with all good menus, it changes with the seasons and depending on what produce can be sourced from the local markets. Oh, and the Lobster Rolls available on Sundays are worth noting. Find out more here
Loulou, Lavender Bay
Fresh sourdough, sweet bakery goods, charcuterie and rotisserie chicken. These are a few of our favourite things! The lower north shore locals can get all of these things, plus ready-to-go meals and French bistro classics under one roof from next month. Loulou is Lavender Bay’s new bistro, boulangerie and traiteur. Find out more here
Il Pontile, Woolloomooloo
Il Pontile takes you right back to your last trip to Italy with sparkling wharf views, friendly Italian hospitality and authentic Italian flavours. Diners can choose from charming alfresco or indoor seating, while upstairs offers a private dining room to host intimate celebrations. The menu showcases fare from across Italy’s different regions with a strong focus on fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Find out more here
Bar Tropic, Manly
Wharf Bar in Manly has been given new life after a major renovation, menu revamp and the addition of a new Mediterranean restaurant, Bar Tropic. The new restaurant/bar pays homage to its sister venue on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Pavilion. Expect a Mediterranean-inspired menu boasting incredible Australian seafood. Find out more here
Corso Brio, Barangaroo
The newly developed Barangaroo precinct has quickly become a foodie destination for Sydneysiders. With the likes of Marble BBQ, Tequila Daisy and Cirrus Dining, there are many impressive drinking and dining experiences to choose from. To add to their repertoire, Corso Brio has introduced their new 120-seater venue to the streets, boasting boujee interiors, a modern Italian menu and an impressive wine list to match. Find out more here
Mejico Fish Market, Bondi Beach
Owner Sam Prince and his team have a wealth of hospitality experience under their aprons with restaurants Mejico, INDU and Kid Kyoto across Sydney and Melbourne. Mejico Fish Market will be a more casual, relaxing dining experience to suit the Bondi lifestyle. All dishes are in the theme of Latin American cuisine while combining the group’s passion for fresh and healthy Mexican food. Find out more here
Shell House Rooftop Sky Bar, CBD
Last month Sydney welcomed Menzies Bar & Bistro to the ground floor of Shell House. After months of interior renovations, the Sydney-based hospitality collective, The Point Group, is ready to open more drinking and dining experiences within the historic, multi-story venue. Three new spaces including The Sky Bar, The Clocktower Bar and The Dining Room & Terrace are set to open this November bringing more elegance to Margaret Street. Find out more here
The Blue Door, Surry Hills
Paving the way for sustainability in the hospitality industry is Chef Dylan Cashman with his restaurant, The Blue Door. The restaurant first opened in Queensland’s Palm Beach where it earned the title of ‘Best New Restaurant for Queensland’ and scored one hat in the Good Food Guide. Cashman noticed a gap in this kind of sustainable thinking amongst Sydney chefs and he’s here to shake up the game in Surry Hills. Find out more here
Oncore by Clare Smyth, Barangaroo
Celebrated Irish chef Clare Smyth is set to open her first restaurant outside of the United Kingdom in Sydney’s much-loved lifestyle destination, Crown Sydney. Oncore by Clare Smyth will offer a dining experience like no other boasting harbour views from level 26. The new venue will pay homage to the original restaurant’s roots while taking on its own identity as Oncore. Find out more here
Fonda, Surry Hills
Located on bustling Crown Street, the heart of Sydney’s dining scene, the restaurant will take inspiration from traditional fondas much like its sister venues. The new space has a friendly vibe with open booth and bar seating, bright lighting, and wall prints with peace and shaka signs. Fonda is best known for its traditional take on Mexican street food. The only difference is that the chefs highlight the freshest, quality ingredients from Australian producers. Find out more here
Little Red Robin, Lane Cove
The team behind Little Red Robin, formerly a fine dining restaurant in Lane Cove, has used the COVID hiatus period to give the restaurant a new direction. If Modern Italian cuisine, fine wines and exceptional service are what you’re into, you’re going to want to put Little Red Robin 2.0 on your radar. Owner Alessandro Nelli’s admiration for the simple European lifestyle inspired the new direction and he’s set out to bring his Italian roots to the table. Find out more here
Mille Vini, Surry Hills
MV Bistro & Wine Bar of Surry Hills has turned into a luxe Italian restaurant and bar within the same space on Crown Street. The venue itself has scored a major renovation boasting fresh interiors, contrasted by the historical building from the 1840s. The scene can be best described as moody but there’s a touch of elegance from the velvet drapes and brass and crystal chandeliers. It has a luxe, romantic atmosphere making it the perfect venue for your next date night. Find out more here
La Salut, Redfern
Sydney has no shortage of top-notch wine bars but we’re always up for welcoming another to the repertoire, especially when it’s from the team behind Ragazzi, Love Tilly Devine and Dear Sainte Eloise. The Love Tilly Group and The People have combined forces to welcome a new Catalan-inspired wine bar to Redfern. The 40-seat wine bar is housed inside the old sports bar of The Norfolk House & Hotel. Find out more here
Bay Nine Omakase, The Rocks
For those that enjoy the finer things in life like artisan sushi, seafood platters and waterfront dining experiences, Bay Nine needs to be on your radar. The new 40-seater Omakase restaurant will open its doors in Campbell’s Cove bringing a unique Japanese dining experience to The Rocks. For those of you yet to visit this precinct, it’s your drawcard for a luxurious waterfront dining experience with backdrops of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Find out more here
Lola’s Level 1, Bondi
The 94-seater restaurant and bar is set to open its doors this week within Bondi’s Pacific Building on level 1. The venue is Mediterranean in style across three sections; the bar, dining room and balcony. Head Chef Paula Pantano is at the helm of the kitchen along with her experience from Crown Sydney, Mandarin Oriental Group and Four Seasons. The menu has been split into sections but all dishes are designed to share in true Mediterranean style. The bar has an impressive cocktail list showcasing Australian craft spirits and inventive spins on the classics. Find out more here
Frank Mac’s, The Rocks
The Rocks will score another impressive cocktail experience by the owners of Sydney’s favourite whisky bar, The Doss House. The sandstone walls of Frank Mac’s will become home to a 120 person capacity bar. With seating inside and outside, across two levels and into a back courtyard, this is not a bar, but a dining destination. The downstairs space is set to be a more cosy vibe with vintage leather banquettes, lounges, low tables and a fireplace to keep you warm this winter. The ground level highlight will be the almost 5-metre long bar, which is where all the magic happens. Find out more here
Menzies Bar, CBD
As if Darlinghurst needed another drinking option, Hank’s has set up shop beneath the popular craft beer haven Bitter Phew on Oxford Street. The bar is set to be your new flavourite watering hole with a distinct Australian attitude to drinking and socialising. The space has been designed with community in mind, bringing open spaces where people can mingle, have a great time and feel at home. Think of the place as an old local bar with a modern-day twist on the drinks menu. Find out more here
FSK MKT, Bondi Beach
The team behind FISHBOWL, FISH SHOP and Side Room are launching a beachside fish market just in time for summer sessions. As with everything The Fishbowl Group does, it all starts with fresh seafood. The menu is set to feature a range of drool-worthy fish burgers including Prawn Katsu and Flathead Zinger, grilled fish options including Ocean Trout, Snapper and Barramundi, as well as delicious fresh salads (would it really be a Fishbowl Group venue if they weren’t on the menu). Find out more here
Casa Merida, Potts Point
Casa Merida will be located inside a renovated terrace house on Kellett Street. Diners will experience traditional Mayan cuisine that will take your taste buds to the Yucatan Peninsula. The venue has 70 seats and is fitted out with time-worn interiors like chandeliers and luxe gold detaining. As expected, the menu will highlight classic Mayana dishes including Infladitas, Ceviche and Cochinita Pibil all made with the best quality locally sourced produce. The bar will stock a selection of rare Mezcals imported from Indigenous communities in Oaxaca. Find out more here
Santa Catarina, CBD
Clarence Street is about to get spicier! Santa Catarina will pay homage to its name. The 100-seat mezcal bar will highlight the world’s best Mezcal as well as the cuisine of Oaxaca. Expect a modern menu focusing on traditional dishes such as Mole Madre and Tetelas. Find out more here
About Time, CBD
Perched up in a building that’s set to be knocked down to make way for the new Sydney Metro, About Time is here for a good time, not a long time. The possy of owners have known each other for years and have combined their hospitality skills and life experiences to bring all the things they love into one bar. This includes ’90s nostalgia and alfresco drinking till the early hours. To drink, there will be boozy spins on the classic 7-11 slushie including a Frozen Irish Coffee and Frosty Fruit. You can also expect spritzes on tap and an ever-evolving wine list including Australian and European drops. Find out more here
The Redfern
There’s nothing like a good pub transformation and we must say, The Redfern’s new do is pretty impressive. The new space features a warm and welcoming public bar on the street level and a more vibing cocktail bar and lounge upstairs. For those beer enthusiasts, you’ll find more than 26 tap beers in the Redfern Public Bar, as well as an approachable wine list, sports tv and classic pub food with a twist. You’ll be able to head upstairs to Misfits at The Redfern for a meal, cocktails, DJs and dancing. Find out more here
More coming soon, stay tuned!