Rafi is the 300-seat modern Australian eatery bringing a unique and playful vibrance to the North Sydney business district this September.
Located on North Sydney’s Mount Street, Rafi will draw from Applejack Hospitality’s owner/operator’s wealth of experience, igniting this often overlooked Sydney suburb, with a new sense of culinary adventure.
The menu is set to be fresh and seasonal, inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney and utilising the abundance of colourful NSW produce cooked over charcoal. Each dish is simple yet experimental, presented on small plates affording diners the opportunity to explore the offering with abundant curiosity, mixing and matching the plethora of flavours.
Highlights include a raw south coast tuna with cucumber, avocado and fresh yuzu, exemplifying Rafi’s honed focus on sustainably caught, locally sourced seafood. A side of crispy potatoes is served with sea urchin, cultured cream and chives for a decadent delight that will keep you coming back time after time.
The sophisticated menu has been meticulously crafted by Executive Head Chef Matias Cilloniz. Cilloniz joins the kitchen from Peru having completed a stint at one of ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’, Central Restaurant, alongside Chefs Virgilio Martínez and Pía León.
Cilloniz says, “Rafi is all about enjoyment in a respectful way. Our food is meant to surprise and nourish with simple dishes creatively combined to be as tasty, nutritious, and sustainable as possible. Our team is focused on delivering an amazing experience starting at sourcing our produce with care to pouring a glass of wine, honoring the produce, the producers, and our team, while our guests enjoy themselves.”
The expertly crafted wine list features a strong representation of local wineries by the glass, all showcased in a large industrial-style glass wine store alongside a handpicked selection of local beers on tap.
The venue itself is a multidimensional space that offers a new backdrop from space to space. Dine under The Arbor – a semi-al fresco glass house, or perhaps take a seat on the outdoor tree-lined terrace for a sunny al-fresco lunch. Floor to ceiling aneeta windows and sliding glass doors create an abundance of light throughout the internal spaces for a truly unique setting in the sun or under the moonlight.
Reservations for RAFI are now open for a limited number of guests, including for Melbourne Cup lunch or Christmas parties. Head to their website to be the first to experience the all-new offering!