Sydney’s dining scene has hit the ground running in 2026, with a wave of exciting openings already giving us plenty of reasons to book a table.
From moody tapas bars in Bondi to waterfront Japanese dining and Beirut-inspired feasts in The Rocks, these new venues are bringing fresh energy, standout menus and seriously good vibes to the city. If you’re looking for your next night out, here are some of the best new restaurant openings in Sydney so far this year.
Besa
Bondi has welcomed a taste of Madrid with the arrival of Besa, a vibrant Spanish tapas bar from ESCA Hospitality Group. Named after the Spanish word for “kiss”, the venue captures the lively spirit of Spain’s bar culture with share-style plates, flowing wine and DJs spinning Spanish-influenced funk and house from Friday to Sunday. On the menu, expect bold flavours like fideuà negra with squid ink egg noodles, confit potato tortilla, and raw beef carpaccio with white anchovy, while cocktails inspired by Don Quixote add a playful literary twist. Moody red interiors and a buzzing atmosphere make this a perfect spot for long dinners that turn into late-night drinks.
AORI
The team behind Alegre and Callao have turned their attention to Japanese cuisine with AORI, a striking new waterfront restaurant at King Street Wharf. Led by chefs with experience at Nobu and Sokyo, the venue focuses on ingredient-led cooking and refined raw preparations. A standout feature is the roaming steak trolley, bringing premium cuts directly to the table for guests to choose from. With an open kitchen, Japanese whisky-led cocktails and a DJ-driven atmosphere, AORI blends Tokyo-style energy with harbour views.
The James
British dining gets a modern glow-up at The James, a sophisticated new restaurant in Sydney’s CBD from SRG Hospitality. Head chef Sam Tuchband brings a refined approach to classic British dishes, combining traditional flavours with French technique and premium produce. Signature plates include tableside Beef Wellington, James Steak Tartare, and a decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding Soufflé. With polished service, elegant interiors and a touch of theatrical flair, The James is designed for long lunches, celebratory dinners and indulgent evenings in the city.
Sahtein
Lebanese hospitality takes centre stage at Sahtein, a new Beirut-inspired restaurant in The Rocks. Led by executive chef Mike Flood, the menu focuses on generous share plates rooted in everyday Lebanese cooking, from vibrant mezze to charcoal-grilled meats and seafood. Dishes arrive as they’re ready, encouraging relaxed, communal dining that feels warm and unfussy. Set within a refreshed historic space, Sahtein brings bold flavours and a welcoming atmosphere to one of Sydney’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
Claret Club
Wine lovers have a new favourite haunt in Darlinghurst with the opening of Claret Club. Founded by sommeliers Bridget Raffal of Where’s Nick and Harry Hunter, the venue combines a relaxed wine bar downstairs with a European-style restaurant upstairs. The drinks list is the real star, featuring around 30 wines by the glass and an ambitious cellar of over 800 bottles. Chef Andy Buchanan’s menu complements the wines with flavour-driven dishes like roast duck with summer cherries, gnocco fritto with anchovy and sage, and pig’s head croquettes.
Hamsi Taverna
Turkish chef Somer Sivrioğlu has brought the flavours of Istanbul’s seaside taverns to the New Sydney Fish Market with Hamsi Taverna. Known for acclaimed Sydney restaurants Maydanoz and Anason, Sivrioğlu’s latest venture centres on seafood, with dishes like crudo, cured fish and flame-grilled plates designed for sharing. The marine-toned interiors and waterfront location make it ideal for long lunches that drift into sunset drinks and lively DJ-led evenings.
