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Every day, a new restaurant, cafe, or bar opens in Sydney. To keep on top of all the new exciting places to drink and dine, we’re rounding up the best new openings of 2023.
CBD
Embark on a clandestine adventure in the heart of Sydney at Hustlers, the city’s newest Asian Fusion restaurant. Paying homage to cultural traditions while incorporating modern twists, Hustlers offers an exhilarating experience with delectable cuisine and enticing cocktails. Explore a curated menu featuring delights like Bone Marrow Mi Goreng and Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche, complemented by desserts such as Lychee Granita, Vanilla Cheesecake, and Buko Pandan. Step into the establishment, immerse yourself in a secretive gambling den ambience, and savour each visit to Hustlers like a winning hand.
Bondi
Makaveli, Bondi’s newest culinary gem, is co-owned by hospitality rising stars Phill Cooke and Jacob Hill. The Italian-inspired eatery offers a contemporary dining experience with small plates hailing from head chef Jessica Young. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up, a leisurely afternoon bite, or a vibrant evening affair, Makaveli delivers at all times of the day.
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Surry Hills
Sofia Cocktail Lounge, founded by Con and Sophie Bousgas, the duo behind Sofia restaurant above Bar Cleveland, is a stylish drinking destination for locals in Redfern and Surry Hills. The lounge offers a variety of drinks, snacks, and Sofia’s full menu. With seating for 30, it is an ideal spot for pre-dinner cocktails or a night out. Settle into the lounge’s cosy atmosphere, which blends the original warehouse aesthetic with linen curtains, velvet sofas, rattan armchairs, marble tables, and upholstered stools.
The drinks menu features classic cocktails, signature cocktails, and a selection of 46 wines. One notable cocktail is the “Liquid Gold,” which includes Sofia’s own extra virgin olive oil pressed from their chemical-free olive grove in Mani.
CBD
Since its opening, Clam Bar has been the hottest seat in town. Inspired by New York steakhouses, diners can expect well-executed classics such as steak tartare, vodka pasta, and daggy drinks from the 80s. There’s nothing pretentious about it. Instead, you will find a casual, buzzy atmosphere with insanely good food, good service, and great cocktails. 
Circular Quay
Celebrated Indigenous Australian chef Mark Olive is set to open Midden by Mark Olive, a new restaurant at the Opera House, on July 4. With a focus on native Australian ingredients, Midden will offer a produce-focused menu inspired by Olive’s heritage. Operated by Doltone Hospitality Group, the restaurant will introduce a fresh culinary vision to the Opera House. Diners can expect flavourful dishes like blue gum-smoked barramundi and quandong-glazed chicken, along with matinee high teas for a delightful harbourside brunch.
Darling Square
Prepare your taste buds for a fiery Indonesian feast at Bintang Bro, the ultimate grill shack sensation! With a focus on cooking and roasting over an open flame, this eatery offers a mouthwatering menu filled with grilled main proteins like chicken and barramundi, accompanied by delectable sides such as tofu, Tempe, Indonesian yellow rice, chips, and salads. BBQ skewers featuring Tiger Prawns, chicken, and grilled octopus, as well as wraps and burgers, add to the culinary adventure. Don’t miss out on their tempting snacks like durian pancakes and Indonesian beef meatballs.
CBD
Renowned restaurateurs Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt, owners of the acclaimed Bentley Restaurant Group, have announced, come October, they will be unveiling King Clarence, a vibrant Asian eatery located at the bustling intersection of King and Clarence Streets in Sydney’s CBD.
This 100-seat gem will combine the flavours of China, Korea, and Japan, offering a contemporary twist on Asian cuisine. Picture sizzling dishes prepared on a custom-built BBQ and grill while an impressive live seafood tank takes centre stage.
CBD
The team behind Totti’s is opening a new pizza-by-the-slice and sandwich shop in Palings Lane just off George Street. Oti’, helmed by Mike Eggert, serves up roman style pizza by the slice and Italian sandwiches on hand-stretched schiacciata, made fresh throughout the day. Meats including prosciutto, salami and mortadella will be sliced straight onto the fresh schiacciata sandwiches and hot slab pizzas before being topped with at least one of eight kinds of cheese on offer, including Mike Eggert’s signature burrata. For vegetarians, veggie fillings and toppings will also be on the menu, including mixed olives and capers.
Parramatta
Hunter & Barrel has earned a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional coal-roasted meats and meticulously crafted barrel-aged beverages. Their renowned “SKEWERED” program showcases a delectable selection, including Tahini Chicken, Dry Aged Striploin, and Honey Glazed Pork Belly, prepared using a variety of cooking methods. With a nod to the ancestral hunter-gatherer traditions, the restaurant embraces the concept of communal dining and feasting, creating a truly immersive dining experience. To complement the food is an innovative barrel-aged craft spirits list, as well as fun cocktails and a serious wine range.
Parramatta
After successfully establishing seven locations in Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, with plans for future expansion in Dubai, we are excited to introduce our latest venture. This new venue embodies the vibrant culture and contemporary ideals of Italy. With seating capacity for 150 guests, both indoors and outdoors, it provides a delightful dining experience year-round, offering lunch and dinner service throughout the week. The bar is stocked with an extensive selection of Italian classics, including the iconic Negroni, as well as a variety of Isabella’s unique twists on Spritz, aperitivo, and refreshing mocktails. Whether you’re seeking a post-work gathering or a leisurely evening out, our venue is the perfect destination for after-work drinks and socializing.
Wynyard
Kanade opened on Clarence Street in May this year, designed with the aim of allowing Sydneysiders to experience a piece of Tokyo, without the flights. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu here is Japanese-Italian fushion kaiseki. Think spaghetti with a sauce of miso cream carbonara, bacon and onsen egg, and eggplant miso with a gratin twist. Complimenting the menu is a drinks list of Japanese-inspired cocktails, sake and non-alcoholic.
Circular Quay
15 exciting food and beverage operators have opened their doors at Sydney Place, the vibrant new precinct in one of Sydney’s most-loved waterfront destinations, Circular Quay. Renowned tenants include chef Federico Zanellato’s Lumi Dining, much-loved pie and pastry store Lode Pies; David Bae’s newest KBBQ outpost, Leemiks; and Sydney institution, Malay Chinese Noodles. Casual dining favourites such as Toby’s Estate, C9 Gelato, Dopa, Open Sesame Middle Eastern, Kosta’s Takeaway, and Toastiesmith have also joined the precinct. May will see the opening of BoBo Dumplings and a Japanese-inspired restaurant and whiskey bar by Joel Best, and later this year, the much-anticipated rebirth of multi-level Jacksons on George by Maurice Terzini and DTLE will open its doors, completing the transformation of Sydney Place into a premium dining and lifestyle destination.
Bondi
Coupling charm and warmth with a Gallic touch, Chouchou (pronounced “shoo-shoo”) is a convivial neighbourhood spot focusing on nostalgic Parisian bistro fare paired with thoughtfully chosen wines and iconic French cocktails. The menu at Chouchou is staunchly French, without the fuss. Expect homely Gallic standards and classic bistro bites, sharing boards and larger dishes. Seasonal cheeses and cured meats from artisan producers across Europe and Australia are served on boards for sharing, and warm baguettes with sea salt butter are a must-add to any order. Crowd favourite, Raclette, is also on the menu with a fun, DIY twist. Served in a mini fondue pot complete with burner, melt your own raclette cheese and dip accompanying vegetables, cornichons, cured meats and bread into the hot, cheesy goodness. take a seat in the snug dining room or people-watch Parisian-style at a streetside table.
Circular Quay
Belles Hot Chicken is launching its first full restaurant-style venue in Sydney, with doors opening on March 3. Think of it as a dining experience that blurs the lines between a dedicated chicken joint, restaurant and rowdy local diner. Seating 130 people, Belles’ newest venture is comfort food refined and dialled for up to ten. The new venue is quintessential Belles: warm tones, cork detailing, neon galore and vintage tiles and a merch vending machine. The menu is stacked. Wings, drumsticks, tenders and buffalo cauli are each available in Belles’ signature flavours—chicken salt, original, traveller, hot and really f**kin hot. Then there are Nashville-style chicken sandwiches, sides and heaving share plates for anyone coming along with pals. There’s also a special canned cocktail, a Rakija and Tonic, created by the inner-west legends at Baba’s Place. The entire drinks menu is chock-full of Sydney hospitality icons and it’s staying that way.
Paddington
The legendary team behind The Maybe Group has opened a bar in Paddington. Cocktails are served in traditional handmade clay jarrito jugs while Mexican and Latino produce shine through each of the drinks. There is also a decent selection of agave spirits. The food menu skews more traditional Mexican than contemporary, ranging from lighter snacks like tacos through to more substantial but still informal dishes.
Surry Hills
NOMAD group has opened one section of a two-part venue, Beau & Dough—focused on the deep love of manoush. The all-day venue, Beau, led by head chef Ibrahim Kasif, offers manoush with savoury toppings of labne, spiced lamb, turkish sausage; or a sweet manoush topped with halva pistachio and honey. Breakfast manoush boards are served with tomato, cucumber, pickles, labneh, sheep’s milk feta, olives and broken eggs. Available from midday, the lunch menu includes a Blue Eye Trevalla fish burger; kofta wraps; spiced chicken shawarma; and a Middle Eastern chopped salad. Part two of the venue, Beau Bar will open on 24th, showcasing a wine-centric bar with a menu driven by fresh seafood. The food at Beau Bar will be fun and playful with a heavy focus on fresh seafood, and snacks to pair with the extensive beverage program.
Potts Point
Bar Lucia is a new Spanish wine bar and restaurant bringing Spain’s seductive dining scene to Potts Point. Inspired by the architecture of Madrid, expect a feminine atmosphere with ornamental decor, candelabras, art, and flower arrangements in the dining room. The food menu led by world-renowned chef, Alberto Palacios, will feature Latina American flavours with local produce. A few key menu highlights include Jamon Iberico Bellota Puro, roast sea scallops on the half shell with saffron butter, Ox tongue with salsa pintxo and salsa verde, and anchovies with salsa Spinader. The wine list is as equally impressive, with Australian wines taking centre stage, especially quality drops from NSW. The cocktail list is a combination of sweet, sour, and classic flavours. Lucia’s Cheesecake, which is a liquid version of her favourite dessert, is made with cheesecake-infused vodka, homemade jam and blueberry shrub.
St Leonards
Josh and Julie Niland have their eyes set on St Leonards this time around after securing a 60-seat restaurant and bar. Dubbed, Petermen, the Nilands will highlight the very best of Australian seafood and vegetables. The name is a nod to the 1400s vernacular, where fishers were known as Petermen in the tradition of their patron, Saint Peter. Reservations for Peterman open today, with the restaurant opening its doors on February 23. The menu includes a selection of items for the table, such as raw fish dishes. The preserved selection of the menu will feature fresh Australian seafood, cured and cooked in oil, such as Port Lincoln Berrima octopus and Espelette pepper. The mains are a range of must-haves, including Yellowfin Tuna Chateaubriand, garlic Warrigal greens, and Diane sauce. Brunch is an opportunity to re-introduce some of Josh’s favourites, such as St. Helens long spine sea urchin crumpet, the Ballina spanner crab croissant, and Manjimup Marron scrambled eggs. Some new ones include smoked Murray Cod bacon & maple pancakes and King George Whiting caesar salad. Book a table here.
Darling Square
This casual Cantonese BBQ concept opened its doors inside the famous Exchange Building in Darling Square, located below its sister venue, XOPP, by Golden Century. The Golden Century BBQ menu embodies all the classic Golden Century flavours while also offering new dishes. Menu standouts include the Golden Century signature Roast Duck accompanied with a choice of rice or noodles, or indulge in its perfectly seasoned Char Siu barbecued over an open flame. Not forgetting the selection of Dim Sum prepared in-house and steamed fresh to order that will take you on a journey through the best flavours Cantonese cuisine has to offer. It wouldn’t be a Golden Century experience without a side of their famous XO Pippies sauce available to purchase to elevate your dish of choice.
Darlinghurst
Harry’s By Giuls is your little slice of Milano on Darlinghurst’s iconic Stanley Street, where Head Chef, Alessio Rago, infuses 15 years of Italian cooking at Michelin Star venues into the menu. His menu is authentic and unashamedly simple, offering modern Italian-style tapas with roots firmly placed in classics. Signature dishes include the Fig and Prosciutto pizza and the Drunk Pasta, featuring red wine-infused handmade pasta with chilli and cherry tomato.
Bondi
You’d expect to find this pastel-hued, tropical oasis with clusters of cacti in Palm Springs. Although Rancho Seltzo is located on the ground level of Pacific Bondi Beach. It offers fellow beachgoers and residents a laid-back, resort-style tropical drinks list, including signature slushies such as the Iced Tropical Whip and a Frozen Paloma. You can also try a Seltzer Spider, which is any Bondi Brewing Co seltzer topped with a scoop of house-made coconut ice cream. The food leans toward Baja California flavours with Mediterranean influences. Diners can expect to see smashable crispy prawn and avocado rolls, kingfish ceviche, charred lamb shoulder with green salsa, and for dessert, a mango, coconut and passionfruit sundae. For now, Rancho Seltzo will operate as a pop-up throughout summer and autumn. Although, we hope it becomes a permanent fixture.
Darling Square
Co-owners of Holy Basil, Louise and Tony, use their unique mix of Laos & Thai cultural heritage to inspire their menu. This distinctive cuisine is dominated by fresh herbs and spices, with a delicate balance between sweet, sour and spicy. As the third Holy Basil venue, this venture is set apart from the Canley Heights and Parramatta locations by its increased drinks focus, including cocktails, premium champagne and French rosé.
CBD
Irori Kuon encompasses a traditional cooking method using wood and charcoal to grill various cuts of meats, seafood and vegetables in the simplest of ways to enhance the full flavours and textures of premium produce. The food is centred around an elevated, glass-encased version of the traditional Japanese sunken fireplace with ten seats at the counter. Another ten can be seated in the private dining room.
CBD
Kahii, Sydney’s loved Japanese-inspired cafe and kissaten by day is transforming into a cosy wine bar by night. The menu features highlights from Executive Chef Taka Teramoto of Kuro, the next-door sister restaurant. Wine is celebrated in both experience and fit-out, with a detailed custom brass display cabinet elevated above the bar. The wines have been carefully hand-picked from iconic regions in France and bear unique characteristics as well as stories behind each label, and the team is continuing to build up their cellar as they procure more small batches and hard-to-get labels. Perfect for after-work drinks, intimate dinners or dates, or a venue takeover with friends or colleagues, Kahii’s wine bar is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm-10 pm.
Alexandria
Mia Dolci Italiani, an Italian pasticceria, and the brainchild of famed chef Orazio D’Elia and classically trained Italian pastry chef Riccardo Falcone (ex-Rockpool), will open in Alexandria this December. The converted warehouse space will operate as a cafe serving house-made Italian sweets with a modern twist, focaccia, specialised chocolates and also offer retail and wholesale orders. Mia will serve classic Italian house-made desserts such as ricotta-filled cannoli, delizia al limone, rum baba, torta della nonna and crostata di frutta, and also a rotating menu of by-the-slice focaccia slab style pizza for dine in and take away.
Darlinghurst
Kissuu, a new Japanese restaurant and party bar, has opened on Oxford Street. Spearheaded by partners head chef Adam Burke (ex-Nobu) and music curator and DJ Richy Penny, the all-in-one venue is open for dinner and disco from Tuesday to Saturday until late. Guests dine downstairs on fresh, flavour-packed Japanese food and then ascend the stairs to find a vibrant lounge with a DJ booth. Grab a spot at the green marbled counter bar or one of the sleek banquette tables and start with dishes like ‘stuffed chicken wings with prawn and wasabi kimchi’, ‘tempura Balmain bug lettuce cups with umami mayo and caviar’, and ‘prawn and scallop’ or ‘shitake and tofu’ gyozas.
Jones Bay Wharf
Located in the historic Flying Fish site at the end of Jones Bay Wharf, Sala will open on November 25 and offer the best of Australian seafood in unique Italian dishes. Head chef Michael Lewis has curated a seafood-focused menu to match the coastal style of the venue, embracing authentic Italian cuisine and techniques while utilising an expanded pantry to add interest to the dishes. The drinks offering has been curated by head sommelier Rocco Pezzullo to pair easily with the cuisine, as the wine list is predominantly Italian varietals sourced not only from overseas but from local producers as well. Bar manager Behzad Vaziri has created a cocktail list that sees a full Negroni collection and Italian classics like an Amari Sour section which gives guests the option of choosing their favourite sour.
CBD
Spice Trader is the cocktail bar at the newly opened Porter House, which joins Henry’s Bread and Wine, and Dixson and Sons. At Spice Trader, the cocktails focus on four key trade items of the era: ginger, coconut, cassia bark, and coffee. Drinkers can expect to see penicillin on the menu and a few names they might not recognise, such as Quickdraw, a spicy margarita or Spice Trader Espresso, a take on the iconic espresso martini. Although the cocktails are the star of the show, you would be amiss if you didn’t try the snacks. There’s a scallop and bay bug toast, wild scampi caviar, and more. Spice Trader only accepts walk-ins.
Surry Hills
This pocket-sized natural wine bar is located on a corner in Surry Hills, and it’s already a favourite with the locals. The wine is approachable, as is the food, which leans to share plates of bar food. Think fried chicken, crispy cauliflower, and mushroom medleys. There are only 20 seats inside, and a few seats outside, so walk-ins are preferred. Although, if you DM them on Instagram, they’re happy to explore group bookings.
Harbour Bridge
Celebrity Chef Luke Mangan has been given the green light to open an ambitious new restaurant in the Harbour Bridge’s southeast pylon. The 20-seat restaurant will focus on local produce, including oysters, Champagne, sashimi, and seared beef fillet paired with Penfolds wines. As you can expect, dining here comes with a hefty price tag, around $295 per person. Luke’s Table is slated to open on November 17.
Circular Quay
There’s a new Japanese fine dining fusion kaiseki and teppanyaki restaurant and bar in town. Oborozuki and Oborozuki Bar sit side-by-side over two soaring, glass-encased levels with a spectacular backdrop of Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge views. They have the largest kaiseki dining room in Australia, alongside private teppanyaki rooms. Considered one of the world’s finest Japanese culinary experiences, akin to degustation, Oborozuki’s fusion Kaiseki experience is presented as a multi-course menu consisting of a sequence of cold to hot (light to heavier) dishes, each one a unique reflection of its time and place. The emphasis is placed on the freshest seasonal ingredients, prepared simply. The 10-course fusion kaiseki menu is priced at $380 per person, and the 10-course teppanyaki menu is priced at $450 per person. Held in three private dining rooms, the teppanyaki experience, helmed by Head Chef Felix Zheng is an immersive and engaging experience, ideal for group celebrations. Oborozuki is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 pm.
CBD
This European-style brasserie is helmed by the same team behind local favourites, Loulou Bistro, Boulangerie, and Traiteur in Milsons Point. Housed in an impressive, heritage-listed art deco reception, diners can choose their adventure. To the left, find an all-day dining café and bar à vin that begins with coffee and breakfast and ends on late-night snacks, cocktails, and wines by the glass. Take a seat at the bar, and ease into a classic aperitif, the prelude to a savoured snack or petite a la carte. To the right, experience the splendid sophistication of the grand brasserie dining room and mezzanine for indulgent dining with a side of savoir-vivre. The Charles is slated to open, on October 21.
North Sydney
RAFI is a vibrant, contemporary multidimensional 300-seat restaurant and bar located on Mount Street. Inside, there’s a playful interior, world-class cocktails, and inventive food; outside, there’s a sunbathed al fresco dining area for those upcoming balmy summer evenings. Bright and creative cocktails sit alongside a handpicked selection of local beers on tap, and a well-constructed wine list, featuring a strong representation of local wineries by the glass, all showcased in a large industrial-style glass wine store. The restaurant will specialise in sustainably sourced seafood and vegetables cooked over charcoal, presented on small plates for the customer to mix and match different combinations of dishes.
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