Best New Restaurants in Sydney 2025

Sydney’s culinary scene continues to flourish in 2025, somehow still building upon the remarkable momentum of 2024. The city’s appetite for innovation and excellence shows no signs of waning, with a host of new eateries offering diverse and exciting experiences and further enhancing Sydney’s stakehold on the world-class stage.

From intimate bistros to grand dining halls and hole-in-the-wall establishments that are redefining the gastronomic landscape of the Harbour City. Whether you’re seeking a romantic date night spot or a lively venue to gather with friends, our list of the best new restaurants in Sydney for 2025 has something to offer every palate. Discover the flavours that are setting the Sydney’s dining scene aflutter.

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: Coming Soon

Spezia

Florence Guild, the team behind hatted Melbourne restaurant Freyja, is bringing its first Sydney venue to The Lands by Capella. Spezia will be an open-air Italian concept with a hidden courtyard, 130 seats and a piazza-inspired energy.

Michelin-starred chef Jae Bang, alongside head chef Aaron Caccia, will serve up classic Italian dishes with subtle Silk Road spice twists (think cavatelli with zucchini and pink peppercorn, tiramisu with allspice and an elegant saffron martini). The space will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a heady dose of Italian city charm right within the heart of Sydney.

2 Gresham Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Da Orazio Trattoria

The Rushcutters Bay site which has previously housed Marta Osteria and Popolo will open its doors as a new venue in 2026. Led by Italian chef Orazio D’Elia, the restaurant (named Da Orazio Trattoria) is an homage to the trattorias of central and southern Italy, focusing on dishes inspired by D’Elia’s heritage, travels, and Italian summers.

“La cucina Italiana is a symbol of simplicity,” he said in a statement. “It’s about letting the ingredients speak for themselves and cooking them the way they’re meant to be. Every dish should tell a story. Trattoria’s have always preserved family recipes, and that’s what I want to do here.”

In addition to normal service, the venue will also host weekend Da Orazio Pasticceria pop-ups, offering a rotating selection of traditional Italian dolci.

Da Orazio Trattoria joins D’Elia’s other venues, Da Orazio in Bondi and Da Orazio Pasticceria in Alexandria. It is slated to open in March 2026.

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: December

Osteria Luna

Step into Osteria Luna, Sydney’s new underground Italian spot where old-school glamour meets cinematic swagger. Tucked beneath The Charles Brasserie & Bar, the 106-seat osteria serves elevated Italian classics with a playful theatrical twist, from tableside caprese and Conchiglie al Forno to late-night pasta and a signature Italian meatball burger. By day, enjoy cult-style Muffalettas and frozen limoncello coupes rung in by silver bell, while evenings come alive with velvet-clad waiters, silver tray service and backing tracks of Italo disco and Rat Pack classics. With design, wine and hospitality all dialed to the max, Osteria Luna is a moody and immersive Italian experience that will no doubt become a fast favourite.

For opening week, the first 50 diners can enjoy complimentary pasta between 12-2pm!

Underground, 68 King St, Sydney NSW 2000

Flaminia

Sydney has a brand-new slice of the Italian seaside with the opening of Flaminia, the Pilu team’s lively harbourside restaurant at Circular Quay. Inspired by Italy’s bustling port towns, the menu leans into seafood crudo, coastal pasta, Sardinian signatures and sun-drenched dolci; all served with that effortless, generous style the Pilu family is known for. The restaurant’s name honours the ship that first carried the Pilu family to Australia, and that sense of travel, connection and tradition runs through everything from the wine list to the gently Mediterranean interiors. Given its envious position, the venue is perfect for a a harbour-lit spritz or settling in for a long lunch that drifts into the evening.

61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach 

Celebrated chef Rick Stein and his wife Sarah have just opened his Aussie flagship restaurant in the Eastern suburbs. Embracing the laid-back beach vibes, the stunning new 224-seat restaurant is part of the recently announced InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach upgrade, transforming the Crowne Plaza Hotel into an elevated beachfront resort.

This is Rick and Sarah Stein’s third Australian restaurant, following in the successful footsteps of the Mollymook and Port Stephens locations.

The beachfront location is the perfect spot for the British chef to showcase his lifelong love of the ocean and stay true to his ethos of “fresh seafood, simply prepared”. Expect a menu featuring the best Australian regional and local produce, like Mahi Mahi caught off the coast of Nelson Bay, Stockton Pipis from Port Stephens and Nelson Bay Blue Swimmer Crab for Stein’s signature Singapore Chilli Crab dish. Of course, Rick’s famous British-style fish and chips — complete with mushy peas and hand-cut chips — are also on the menu.

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, 242 Arden Street, Coogee 

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: November

Watermans

The Bentley Restaurant Group has returned to Barangaroo with Watermans, a sun-soaked Eastern Mediterranean diner sitting just steps from the harbour. Led by acclaimed chef Darryl Martin, the menu heroes Levantine flavours through wood-fired seafood, vegetable-forward plates and generous shared dishes layered with spice, smoke and summer brightness. With a 120-seat design split between lush outdoor pergolas and a sleek open-kitchen dining room, it’s set to be the precinct’s next go-to long-lunch destination.

R1/88 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000

Koda

KODA brings a bold, Japanese-inspired dining and drinking experience to the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Set on a sun-soaked corner in Curtin Place, the venue revolves around a dramatic robata grill where diners select fresh seafood and proteins which are then expertly grilled and seasoned to order.

The menu blends Japanese techniques with local Australian produce, from Tajima wagyu and Moreton Bay Bugs to innovative small plates and rolls. The bar keeps pace with the food, offering creative cocktails and highballs designed to complement the bold flavours of the grill.

To the delight of many, Koda is offering an immersive, high-energy atmosphere that feels more like a Tokyo laneway than a city lunch spot.

Curtin Place, Sydney, Australia 2000

Aambra

Set inside a beautifully restored 120-year-old church in Rose Bay, Aambra is a transportive new addition to Sydney’s dining scene. Sunlight filters through original stained-glass windows onto marble floors, the open-flame grill crackles along one wall, and the whole space hums with warmth, spice and Levantine soul. Drawing on owner Cristian Gorgees’ Iraqi heritage and neighbouring cuisines from Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Egypt, the menu feels both ancient and contemporary. Start with the oysters topped with fermented onion and isot oil, then move to the tuna “kibbeh nayeh” and the whiting samke harra sando, a perfect balance of heat and whipped tahini.

For something more substantial, the whole blue grouper masgouf cooked over open flame is a standout, though the merguez-stuffed lamb saddle and 800g wagyu rib eye are equally showstopping for meat lovers. With its soaring ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, custom crockery and a lush outdoor garden deck for cocktails like the jaffa margarita, Aambra is the perfect blend of soulful and social.

518A Old South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029

Grill Americano

Sydney’s dining scene has had a major dose of Venetian glamour with the arrival of Grill Americano, the highly-anticipated Sydney outpost of Chris Lucas’ celebrated Melbourne steakhouse. The restaurant is a refined celebration of Italian hospitality, showcasing bold flavours and fine Australian produce, with Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini at the helm.

The menu honours the signature dishes that made Grill Americano a Melbourne icon, while introducing new creations inspired by Sydney’s coastal energy. Expect showstoppers like prawn panzerotto with oscietra caviar, tuna ’nduja and anchovy crostini, Sicilian-style seafood risotto with saffron and chilli,and a raw seafood bar. And, of course, the restaurant’s famed bistecca program has made its Sydney debut in full force, featuring 15 premium cuts including the Bistecca Pepe e Verde Angus Chateaubriand and a 700g New York Cut Striploin of grappa-infused dry-aged Chauvel beef.

With interiors that pair mid-century sophistication with heritage charm (think signature blue velvet banquettes and a 30-metre marble bar), Grill Americano Sydney is poised to become a landmark for luxe, high-spirited dining in the city’s CBD.

No. 1 Chifley Square

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: October

Joe’s Tavern

The team behind Paisano & Daughters is bringing timeless hospitality to Australia Street with the launch of Joe’s Tavern. Named for founder Joe Valore, the intimate 30-seat tavern is serving classic dishes like prawn cocktails, devilled eggs, steaks and the signature 50/50 lamb-and-beef burger. At the heart of the menu is Parts & Labour, a nose-to-tail section that celebrates the skill and patience of true culinary technique, while dessert classics like the Knickerbocker Glory are revived with the same care and precision.

206 Australia Street, Newtown, NSW

Bistro Ebony

Bistro Ebony is serving up European‑leaning bistro vibes with actually affordable pricing — most dishes come in under $50.

Imagine wagyu short rib agnolotti bathed in saffron‑butter, a crisply golden veal Milanese with pomme noisette, and marron wrapped in kataifi with fermented chili mayo (hello, culinary flex). Front‑of‑house whiz Joey Commerford sets the rhythm, while Chef Alessandro Mandelli (ex‑Grana) orchestrates the kitchen, and sommelier Jordan Amaru (NoMad NY, Berowra Waters Inn) curates 140 bottles of French, Italian, and Aussie wine — including 20 by the glass.

It’s urbane comfort food without the price tag, perfect for dinners that feel special but still feel like the norm.

123 Pitt Street, Sydney

The Palomar Arrives: London’s Cult-Favourite Restaurant Lands in Sydney

Sydney’s dining scene just gained a major new player with the arrival of The Palomar, the acclaimed London restaurant from hospitality visionaries Zoë and Layo Paskin of Studio Paskin. Opening within the brand-new 25hours Hotel The Olympia on Oxford Street, the restaurant brings the vibrant flavours of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant to Sydney’s most storied cultural strip.

Helmed by celebrated Sydney chef Mitch Orr as Culinary Director and Luke Davenport as Head Chef, The Palomar reimagines its London heritage through the lens of Australia’s exceptional produce. Expect a menu rich with smoky, bright flavours from the wood-fire grill, with the likes of Berkshire pork chop with roasted grapes and sherry, grilled southern calamari with preserved lemon and pistachio ice cream baklava sandwiches.

The 110-seat restaurant is an elegant homage to its London predecessor, blending heritage brickwork with pink quartzite, rich navy leather, and marble mosaic details. The lively kitchen bar, (a hallmark of The Palomar experience), anchors the space and encourages connection and conversation in true Mediterranean spirit.

7 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: September

The Corner Palm Beach

Oozing effortless Hamptons Vibes, The Corner Palm Beach is the newest offering from The Boathouse Group. Housed in a restored coastal cottage, The Corner serves up coffee and elevated breaky as well as grab-and-go goodies from their Providore & Delicatessan — perfect to take across for a day at the beach — or settle in for an a la carte lunch. By night, the space transforms into a Euro-style bistro with lively wine bar vibes. Chef and General Manager Sam Kane, is serving up a seasonal menu, updated weekly and sourced from the state’s most respected producers. Expect dishes such as Ulladulla yellowfin tuna crudo with green tomato and sesame, Ballina king prawns a la plancha, and Copper Tree Farm minute steak with bone marrow and green pepper shallot sauce.

The Corner also features an old school General Store which will champion local small-batch producers and artisanal makers as well as fresh daily bread, house-made condiments alongside a selection of gourmet cheeses, pot-set yogurts and hand-churned butter. They also have a selection of signature homewares to peruse and take home with you.

1 Beach Road, Palm Beach

Lee Ho Fook

Two-hatted Melbourne restaurant Lee Ho Fook has officially touched down in Sydney. Set to be the crown jewel of The Porter House Hotel Precinct on Castlereagh Street, Lee Ho Fook is a welcome addition to the city’s offering of contemporary Chinese cuisine. Celebrated Chef Victor Liong promises, “Lee Ho Fook in Sydney will continue to respect the foundations of Chinese cooking while presenting them through a contemporary Australian lens – refined yet warm, with service that makes you feel like you’ve found a place you’ll keep coming back to.”

Diners can expect to be met by Lee Ho fook’s signature bare brick walls, ambient neon lighting and palette of red, black and brass, whilst on the food front, small and punchy plates like crispy eggplant with spiced red vinegar will precede larger mains like Kung Pao Skull Island prawns, and steamed Glacier 51 Toothfish with silken tofu. 

Opening Wednesday 17th September

203 Castlereagh Street, Sydney

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: August

Etheus

Come for a fire-cooked feast at Etheus and we promise you’ll leave with more than you bargained for! Located right on the beach within Bondi Pavilion, you can soak up the beach views from the veranda or enjoy the ambience indoors, from the dining room or one of two private spaces.

Expect a fire-led menu with modern takes on Greek classics, like garlic, oregano and lemon braised lamb shoulder and stuffed peppers, ground beef and avgolemono. As for drinks, cocktails with a Greek spin take centre stage as well as beach classics. Serving options, there are six non-alcoholic cocktails, alongside a dedicated vegan menu.

Sitchu Tip: If you live in Bondi, North Bondi, Tamarama, Waverley or Bronte, just flash your proof of postcode for 30% off your bill on Wednesdays — you’ll just need to make sure you have a booking. You’re also invited to BYO a bottle with no corkage. It pays to be local!

Shop 4, Bondi Pavilion

Vin-Cenzo’s

From the foodie powerhouses behind Bar Copains, Bessie’s and Alma’s, comes this produce-driven Italian. Offering a quality late-night option for Sydneysiders, Vin-Cenzo‘s is open until 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Warm lighting, walnut timber and burgundy leather upholstery gives off a cosy, lived-in feel.

Expect an Italian leaning menu with broader European influences — think roasted chicken and mortadella agnalotti in brodo, veal t-bone with shimeji mushroom and marsala and plates of Italian biscuits. As for beverages, Italian, French and Australian wines dot the menu, alongside Italianesque cocktails. What a place to while away an evening!

174 Liverpool Street, Sydney

Homer Rogue Taverna

Athenian soul meets modern Shire flair at Homer Rogue Taverna, a new-wave Greek eatery bringing unapologetic attitude and bold flavours to the beachside streets of Cronulla. From the team behind much-loved café Ham, this 100-seat taverna is leading the charge in the Shire’s dining renaissance, and locals are loving every bite.

The fit-out channels a gritty slice of Athens, with terrazzo floors, graffiti-tagged walls and a walk-in wine fridge that dares diners to ditch the list and choose their own adventure. It’s laid-back, vibey, and packed out nightly — and for good reason.

Forget the traditional entrée-main format. Homer’s food is made to be shared and devoured. Think grilled souvlaki octopus, ‘Our Mum’s Moussaka’ and a punchy spanakorizo topped with fresh-caught fish. Their signature stifado cigar wrapped in crispy chicken skin is pure genius, while Greek wines and house-brewed lager keep the good times flowing.

This is Greek food with attitude, full of heart, flavour and fun. If you haven’t booked a table yet, now’s the time. The Shire’s dining scene just levelled up.

3/3 Surf Rd, Cronulla

Young’s Palace

Inspired by the nostalgia, familiarity and culinary excellence of Chinatowns around the world, Young’s Palace is Sydney’s collective new local. The magnum opus of Chef Big Sam Young and Chef Grace Chen, you can expect a tight curation of favourites cooked to perfection using local produce. Think hot and sour soup, prawn toast, sweet and sour pork and satay chicken, bathed in neon light and sitting pretty atop intricate blue and white porcelain plates. Arrive hungry and bring plenty of friends so you can dive into the exceptionally well-priced $85 per person banquet meal and taste a little bit of everything.

1 Kellett Street, Potts Point

Grandfather’s

An exciting next chapter from the team behind Pellegrino 2000 and Neptune’s Grotto has just touched down in the heart of foodie mecca Angel Place. A new direction for the team, Grandfather’s, named after restaurant co-owner Michael Clift’s inspiring Grandfather, focuses on the regions of Guangdong and Sichuan. A huge wine list with a Riesling focus dominates the drinks offering, whilst a yum cha service is expected to kick off early September.

Angel Place, Sydney

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: July

Rovollo

Rovollo is the CBD’s newest Italian gem from Esper Group, the team behind Mille Vini, bringing a taste of the Italian Riviera to Sydney with an opulent yet intimate restaurant and wine room. Located on the ground floor of Harry Seidler’s iconic 25 Martin Place, the 75-seat venue strikes a balance between modern elegance and old-world hospitality, creating a warm and inviting space that complements the grandeur of its setting. Look up to a hand-painted mural ceiling and recycled parachute light installation, take in custom artworks created by members of the family, and settle into tonal banquettes before experiencing a touch of tableside theatre as your carbonara is set alight and tossed through a 20-kilogram Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel.

Executive chef Cami Feliciano and head chef Zane Buchanan serve refined Italian classics — think handmade pasta, delicate antipasti, a lavish seafood tower or the wagyu rump cap from the dedicated griglia—charred, succulent, and perfect for sharing. And don’t skip dessert: the 24-layer dark chocolate cake is worth saving room for. Sip your way through a creative cocktail list by award-winning bartender Alissa Gabriel, or linger alfresco with a glass of Barolo.

25 Martin Place, Sydney

Ette

Tucked between Bridge Street and the heritage laneways of Underwood Street, Ette is a chic new addition to the CBD’s dining scene, delivering refined, produce-led fare without the fuss. True to its name (which means “small”), this hidden gem is built on a less-is-more philosophy — where every detail is sharp, every dish lands fast, and nothing feels overworked.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted with warm, moody interiors, complimentary housemade focaccia (a rare and welcome gesture), and a menu that leans into European technique with an Australian edge. The signature SnackEttes — a curated lineup of bold, bite-sized plates — are all priced at $9.50 and served in under five minutes. Think sashimi mosaic with nori wasabi, lamb ribs with baba ganoush and pomegranate, or a scallop dressed with nduja, pineapple and avocado.

Larger dishes rotate daily under the Land, Sea and Grain banners ($39 each), with current highlights including a silky Funghi Linguine laced with black truffle, and a rich Coq au Vin. Add to that a climate-controlled wine room, a half-bottle-forward list, and a layout that shifts effortlessly from daytime dining to after-dark bar, and you’ve got one of the CBD’s most versatile new arrivals.

10 Bridge Street, Sydney

Book here

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: June

Rasā House

Bringing bold flavour and soul to the shores of Rose Bay, Rasā House is the newest gem from Vinay Matta — a creative force with deep family ties to Sydney’s dining scene (his folks run beloved favourites Jewel on the Bay and Spice Room). At Rasā, Vinay channels his heritage and global travels into a colourful menu that celebrates South and South East Asian cuisines — no fusion, no shortcuts, just honest dishes prepared by chefs from India, Indonesia and Nepal who cook with heart. The Lamb Shank Boti is already a standout — a tender, spice-laced tribute to an unforgettable Mumbai meal that Vinay couldn’t get out of his head.

Inside, the space hums with personality. Expect an artfully cluttered collection of curios — think vintage Korean magazine cuttings, ornamental oddities and cultural keepsakes — all telling stories of home, history and faraway adventures. It’s the kind of place where every corner catches your eye and every bite feels like a memory in the making. Add a killer wine list, waterfront views and a seriously warm vibe, and you’ve got a dining experience that’s as rich in feeling as it is in flavour.

639B New South Head Rd, Rose Bay

Toki Bistro & Bar

Bringing a touch of Paris to North Sydney’s bustling heart, Toki Bistro & Bar is where French finesse meets bold Asian flair. The brainchild of Michelin-trained Head Chef Jay Choy, this luxe newcomer is a masterclass in storytelling through food, with every dish tracing personal memories and global influences. Think bone marrow custard with uni and bacon jam on a crumpet, or buttery marron udon swimming in a rich lobster bisque. Whether you’re dining à la carte in the glam public space or surrendering to the immersive Four-Chapter tasting menu in one of the exclusive private rooms, every bite feels like a narrative worth savouring.

Housed in a polished, moody interior of mahogany, marble and vintage chandeliers, Toki offers sophistication without the stuffiness. The journey begins with fresh seafood and top-shelf spirits at the bar, before you’re whisked into a dining experience that’s both theatrical and deeply personal. Pro tip? Book the private elevator-access rooms for a more intimate (and Instagrammable) experience — and don’t skip dessert; nostalgia never tasted so good.

T23-24/100 Miller Street, North Sydney

Felons Seafood

Brisbane-based Artemus Group — the team behind Felons Brewing Co — has reimagined the iconic Manly Wharf, offering a fresh seafood-focused dining experience that harmoniously blends modern Australian cuisine with the relaxed charm of the Northern Beaches.

Helmed by former Rockpool Bar & Grill culinary director Corey Costelloe, Felons Seafood will showcase a menu that celebrates locally sourced produce and bold flavours, including some seafood offerings that aren’t widely known.

The new space will accommodate 200 seats indoors and 120 more on the boardwalk. The venue’s waterfront location provides a picturesque backdrop, making it an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

43-45 East Espl, Manly

Onice

Bringing a fresh new energy to Mosman’s dining scene, Onice is a modern neighbourhood restaurant that seamlessly blends Australian produce with the bold, punchy flavours of Southeast Asia. The result? A menu that feels both refined and deeply satisfying — think twice-cooked beef ribs in Penang curry, coconut ceviche, and soy-glazed eggplant designed to share.

The space itself is just as inviting: warm timber accents, glowing backlit walls and thoughtfully styled interiors set the tone for anything from a casual lunch to a special occasion dinner. Onice also offers a weekday brunch service (don’t sleep on the ricotta hotcakes), plus BYO on Sunday and Monday evenings — making it an easy go-to for your next night out.

161 Middle Head Road, Mosman

Akti

There’s a new reason to stroll down Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf, and its name is Akti. Taking over the landmark harbourside space formerly home to Manta, this elegant new Greek restaurant is a modern homage to heritage.

From the Sydney Restaurant Group, Akti is helmed by celebrated Greek chef Ntinos Fotinakis (Bungalow 7, Athens) and Robert Judd (Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster), who are bringing their flair for refined Greek flavours to the waterfront. The menu is playful yet reverent — think traditional dishes reimagined with a twist: giouvarlakia transformed into a raw fish creation, moussaka croquettes, and galaktoboureko reinvented as an “Athenian Mess,” theatrically finished tableside.

There’s a strong focus on Australian seafood, paired with curated Greek wines and boundary-pushing cocktails like a tzatziki-inspired mix or a savoury martini featuring kalamata olives and EVOO. The interiors, decked in sunset tones of plum and ivory, channel the relaxed elegance of an Aegean holiday. Whether you settle in for a long lunch or sip meze at the Baraki, Akti promises wholehearted hospitality, done the Greek way.

Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm–late

6 Cowper Street Wharf, Woolloomooloo

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: May

Bistro 1828

Sydney’s oldest pub just got a modern-day glow-up. Almost 200 years since its doors first opened, Fortune of War has unveiled Bistro 1828, a 60-seat dining space that marks a new chapter for this historic icon.

Nestled in the heart of The Rocks, the new bistro blends old-world charm with contemporary dining, featuring everything from avocado toast and Bloody Marys in the morning to elevated pub classics and a soon-to-launch Sunday roast. The revamp also includes the first-ever breakfast service in the venue’s long history — yes, that means pancakes and poached eggs with a side of heritage architecture. Bonus? The Russell Boutique Hotel upstairs has also reopened, making this an all-in-one destination for foodies and travellers alike.

7am–late, Monday to Sunday

131 George Street, The Rocks

Solaré (Image Credit: Jason Loucas) 

Solaré

A restaurant and three cocktail bars are set to open this summer. Where you ask? On a 150ft yacht. Solaré invites guests to sip and dine on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world — ours! Multiple price points will be available from the $185 set menu at The Dining Room (headed up by Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas) to the more casual middle deck. For those looking for a Mediterranean beach club experience, the members only sundeck is the place to be, complete with day beds and group booths. Stay tuned!

Coming soon

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: April

Caness

Paddington just got yet another new culinary addition set to become a cult favourite—and it’s anything but ordinary. CANESS is a Middle Eastern tapas bar set in an inviting 60-seat space with warm interiors and an open kitchen setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Small plates, seasonal flavours and Middle Eastern flair are re-imagined through the Mediterranean tapas lens, with a menu showcasing the power of simplicity. Think vibrant colours, bold flavours and key ingredients that take centre stage. Of course, there’s also a carefully curated drinks list to match, with a wine selection featuring around 80 wines, with over 20 options by the glass or carafe.

If wine’s not your thing, there are no less than ten signature cocktails on the drinks list, too, highlighting Mediterranean flavours with Spanish and Italian influences. There’s a Clear Gazpacho, inspired by Spain’s iconic chilled soup, or a Middle Eastern twist on the classic Negroni with the Figroni.

348 Oxford Street, Paddington

The Dining Room

Set inside The Rock’s hottest new culinary precinct, The Dining Room is a sophisticated and refined dining experience led by a trio of acclaimed chefs and a menu that showcases premium produce.

Test your taste buds with an array of small plates such as a caviar tartlet or baby abalone schnitzel served with native citrus mayonnaise or go straight into the seafood bar where the ocean’s finest is on full display. From Moreton Bay Bugs served chilled with horseradish ketchup to seafood towers and three types of caviar, diners are spoiled for choice. For meat-eaters, the Berkshire pork chop, grilled to perfection with a golden crust and served atop housemade hot mustard and burnt celeriac purée, is a stand out, while the 1.5kg Wagyu MB9+ tomahawk serves as a delicious table centrepiece, perfect for sharing.

The menu is complimented by curated wine list led by a predominately female sommelier team, and cocktails that shift with the seasons.

12-18 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Erin

What do you do when you’ve reached untold levels of gelato genius? You open a wine and cocktail bar with a full a la carte menu, of course. The brains behind Messina have introduced Erin, a reimagining of their Messina Creative degustation concept offering a savoury menu with gelato in every dish (yes, really).

Named for their dairy farm in Erindale, all the fruits, veggies, milk and beef are sourced from the farm, with an unexpected menu that combines dinner and dessert into one—think oysters with pear sherbert, beetroot tart with cheese gelato, pork pie with ketchup gelato and gnocchi with roasted potato gelato. We recommend the set menu for a little taste of everything.

1 Rich Street, Marrickville

Sippenham

Bringing a combination of pasta, pour and playlists (food, wine and music), Sippenham is inspired by the vibrant food, music and nightlife scenes of East London—reimagined for Sydenham in Sydney.

The neighbourhood pasta and wine bar seats just 20 people, so expect a family-style feed featuring pasta that is handmade fresh each and every day using locally-sourced ingredients, as well as bar snacks, antipasto and focaccia. With a wine list curated by LoFi Wines and beers from Marrickville’s very own Philter Brewing, this is about to become Sydenham’s new social hotspot.

Open from Wednesday April 9th

282 Unwins Bridge Road, Sydenham

The Malaya

While The Malaya may be one of Sydney’s longest-operating family run restaurants, this month it officially returned to its home on George Street after 23 years operating at King Street Wharf.

The bustling CBD location was where the restaurant first opened its doors to the public in 1963, and now in its new home at Grosvenor Place, the airy venue ushers in a new era across a two-level space that can house up to 180 guests, and 60 more on an outdoor terrace.

Over the decades, The Malaya’s menu has evolved alongside Sydney’s changing culture and cuisine, however, many of the restaurant’s beloved dishes still hold their spot on the menu, including the coconut beef rendang, the original Malaya curry, and the original 1963 laksa.

225 George Street, Sydney

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: March

Olympic Meats

This new Greek grill house may just be the answer to your meat-loving dreams. Somewhere between a ‘gyradiko’, ‘psitopoleio’ and a taverna, everything at Olympic Meats is made by hand and cooked over fire.

The walk-in only, BYO spot is a love letter to Marrickville’s past as a Greek stronghold in the early 90s, and diners are guaranteed to get a good (and affordable) feed. Expect classics like sourdough pita bread (made by hand and cooked to order), a meat platter featuring hearty chunks of pork, chicken gyros, and lamb kontosouvli, and spanakopita that’s been stretched by hand, filled with feta and wild greens, then cooked in the wood-fired oven.

12 Dudley Street, Marrickville

Kolkata Social

Plate It Forward Hospitality Group has started 2025 off with a bang with the opening of its fourth venue, Kolkata Social. With Ahana Dutt (ex-Firedoor, Raja) at the helm, this Bengali-focused restaurant on King Street aims to bring Indian dishes to the people of Sydney that go beyond your standard butter chicken and naan.

In line with Plate It Forward’s ethos, Kolkata Social will be focused on job ops for underrepresented women as well as the donation of two meals, one in Sydney and one in India, with each purchase of the set menu.

On the menu, Dutt notes “I wanted the menu to represent me. It was a way for me to introduce people to Bengali food through recipes that I’ve grown up with.” You can expect to find lesser-known dishes like Paturi (spiced ricotta wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked on a flat pan until slightly caramelised), radhabollobhi (flatbread with a moreish spiced lentil filling) and vanilla pound cake served with saffron yoghurt cream.

The drinks menu is equally as delicious with a bespoke Kolkata Lager by Mountain Culture, spiked lassi and mini mustard martini up for grabs.

528-528A King Street, Newtown

R by Raita Noda

Wunderlich Lane’s newest arrival, R by Raita Noda offers a rare ‘theatrical dining’ experience with an open kitchen stage. Sit back and soak up the rain-inspired dining room, by renowned architect Koichi Takdada, featuring 2000 shimmering chains, ethereal lighting and a liquid prism ceiling. With just 15 guests in any dining session, your experience will be intimate and curated. Otherworldly!

Wunderlich Lane, 2 Baptist Street, Redfern

Osteria Mucca

The third of Paisano & Daughters’ bevy of new venues and the fourth on Australia Street, Osteria Mucca is a jewel. Housed in a former butcher shop and littered with authentic and original design features, this old-world Italian 50-seater is all about handmade pasta, curated charcuterie and house-butchered meats.

Head Chef Janina Allende (ex-Pellegrino 2000) will be taking charge in the kitchen, crafting the likes of gnudi with brown butter and sage, lamb tartare with rocket and pecorino, veal tongue with salsa verde and house-made sausage. As for drinks, family-run vineyards and apertivos and degetifs are the stars of the show. Pastry Chef Lauren Eldridge will be completing your meal with zabaglione with coffee granita and almond biscotti, cassata with ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit and house-made gelato.

212 Australia Street, Newtown

Corner 75

Two of Sydney’s most beloved restaurants, Six Penny and Baba’s Place, have joined forces to resurrect a staple of Randwick’s dining scene, Corner 75. The collaboration will see the preservation of the eclectic interiors as well as the traditional menu, which have both been beloved by locals for over 40 years. This one-of-its-kind project is due to be a hit so be sure to nab a table, stat. Warm service, updated classics and a gorgeous European wine list awaits.

75 Frenchmans Road, Randwick

Mister Grotto 

Seafood lovers, rejoice. From the talent behind Continental Deli comes this brand-new seafood haven, Mister Grotto. The intimate 30-seat seafood bar has a seasonal menu that shifts daily, depending on the day’s catch. Freshly shucked oysters, charcoal-grilled fish and a raw bar are just some of the delights diners have to look forward to. Don’t even get us started on the elevated fisherman core interiors. 

208 Australia Street, Newtown 

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: February

Eleven Barrack

Satisfying Sydneysiders’ love for all things old-world Euro glam, Eleven Barrack is the latest opening from Bentley Group. The interiors are a sight to behold, at once sleek and jammed with character. As for the menu, expect elements borrowed from both New York grills and European bistros. Settle in for an indulgent celebration or swing by after work for a stiff drink and a steak hot off the grill.

11 Barrack Street, Sydney

Annamese 

There’s a new Vietnamese spot in town and it’s located right by the water down at Barangaroo. Executive Chef Andy Pruksa (Muum Maam) has combined the fresh flavours of Vietnam, Thailand and wider Asia with a dash of modern Australian influence for the menu at Annamese. Think wok-tossed Australian king prawns, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with peanut coconut curry and Sydney Rock oyster with nuoc cham haisan dressing, green chili, lime & black caviar.

2/2 Watermans Quay, Barangaroo

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: January 2025

Golden Century 

2025 is off to a bang with the return of a Sydney legend — Golden Century. Calling Crown Sydney home, Golden Century 2.0 will revive favourites from the original menu including the legendary pipis in XO sauce. The beloved Yum Cha offering will also be back with over 80 dishes available to nibble on. Pencil it in!

 Level 3, Crown Sydney 

IFTAR 

Western Sydney is home to one of the city’s buzziest new restaurants – IFTAR. A tribute to owner Jermey Agha’s mother Rita, the menu is built on treasured family recipes. The same sense of comfort guides the dining experience which is warm and welcoming with tables piled high with Middle Eastern-inspired plates. Traditional favourites like spiced manoush and lamb shawarma sit side-by-side with innovative takes like wagyu kofta dumplings. Guests are encouraged to mop up all the flavours with the family woodfired sourdough bread. Yes, please!

Main Lane, Merrylands

Bessie’s 

One of the first openings of 2025 and we’ve been treated with a brand-new restaurant from the talented pair behind Bar Copains. The same attention to detail will be applied to this fire-fuelled restaurant with all dishes being served on handmade ceramics. Bessie’s is a homage to the duo’s grandmas and the early love of food they fostered. 

111 Albion Street, Surry Hills 

Looking for more of the best new restaurants in Sydney to road test? From edgy Chinese restaurants and festive Mexican eateries to group dining favourites and BYO gems, there are so many cool restaurants in Sydney to visit. Browse our extensive collection here. 

Writer

Olivia Storrie

4 December 2025

Armed with an Arts Degree in History and Psychology from the University of Sydney, a natural curiosity and a ravenous appetite, Olivia is your go-to for restaurant recommendations across the city. She also has a keen interest in hiking, patting other people’s dogs, travelling, curating her maximalist home and reading every book she can get her hands on.