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Best New Restaurants in Sydney 2024

Looking for date night dinner inspiration? We’ve tasted our way across the city to bring you the hottest new eateries — these are the best new restaurants in Sydney to know about!

A tiled table full of starter dishes including stracciatelle, focaccia and anchovies on toast at Bobbys
Bobby's

Whilst we're still tasting our way through 2023's bumper year of openings, 2024 has already seen some exciting restaurant news. Double Bay's Bartiga already on the scene and we've heard rumours the year is only going to get more exciting. Stay tuned. For now, scroll on for the best new restaurants opening in Sydney. Trust us, they are absolutely worth a visit!

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: March

Bar Infinita (Image Credits: Chad Konik) 

Bar Infinita 

People of Gordon and surrounds, rejoice! Bar Infinita has just opened its doors and authentic Italian bites are yours for the taking. Chef Francesco Iervolino (ex Firedoor & Ormeggio) is the man behind the menu which features handmade pastas, antipasti, artisan cheeses and steak. Cocktails also take pride of place with house made limoncello, an Amalfi sour with amaretto and a wine list handpicked by Paski owner Giorgio de Maria. 

10 St Johns Avenue, Gordon 

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: February

Casa Esquina (Image Credit: Steve Woodburn) 

Casa Esquina

Taking over the iconic corner spot on Elliot Street, Balmain (formerly home to L'Unico and Efendy), Casa Esquina is bringing a new vibrancy to Balmain with its chic fit-out and delicious Argentinian eats. From the team behind Tequila Mockingbird and Esteban, the menu showcases the vibrant flavours of Argentina, with a range of premium cuts cooked on the open flame parilla - complete with a chimichurri kit to mix up at your table. However, for the non-meat lovers, the extensive menu caters to a range of tastes, including sweet bread and prawn paella with wagyu fat chilli crunch; black garlic pasta with stracciatella and pecorino and kingfish tiradito, piquillo dressing, lime, jalapeño and shiso. 

Stop by on Tuesdays and Wednesdays where the BBQ spit will serve up Argentinian-sty;e street food - and Sundays for a custom parilla BBQ that will be firing up delicious feasts and injecting that infectious Argentian energy into Balmain.

79 Elliot Street, Balmain

Matkim
Matkim

MATKIM 

Intimate dining is thriving in Sydney and MATKIM, an 8-seat Korean omakase restaurant, is the latest addition to the scene. With an emphasis on storytelling, each dish at MATKIM is prepared in the open kitchen, right before diner's eyes. The menu features local ingredients as well as sought-after Korean imports and champions fire as a cooking method. In line with traditional omakase menus, the exact dishes will be decided on the day but you can look forward to the likes of yukhoe tangtangi (beef tartare with live octopus); abalone sotbap (abalone, abalone liver rice) and WA marron with a crab soybean (doenjang) foam. 

Shop CQT.07 180 George Street, Sydney 

The Joey (Image Credit: Alex Marks Photography) 

The Joey 

Location, location, location is being served by Sydney's newest dining destination The Joey. Ideally placed on the Pittwater, The Joey is set within the lovingly restored heritage Barrenjoey Boatshed. The experience is elevated from the get-go with large glass windows, lush gardens and an understated nautical colour palette. 

Multiple spaces allow for varied dining experiences from the relaxed 'The Jetty Bar' to the casual Garden Bar and the elegant Dining Room & Bar. As for eats, you can expect the freshest Australian seafood cooked up with premium seasonal accompaniments alongside a drinks list packed with Australian-made spirits. 

Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach 

A steak dish and salad atop a pink marble table at Sydney Common
Sydney Common

Sydney Common 

Food cooked over woodfire is far superior to food cooked any other way. We'll hear no ifs, ands or buts! Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park has just welcomed Sydney Common, who share our belief in a fondness for woodfired feasts. 

Elevating classic and contemporary hotel dining, this new destination should be at the top of your 'to try' list whether you're booking a stay or not. Under Head Chef Jamie Robertson's (ex-Ester) guidance, Sydney Common's menu will be guided by seasonality and uniquely Australian ingredients. Chargrilled romano beans with paprika egg sauce and roasted buckwheat tea, Blackmore wagyu short scotch and Yamba King prawns are just a few of the delights you can look forward to. Five-star hotel luxury is exactly what you can expect from the wine and cocktail list, expertly curated by Head Sommelier Sebastian Brogren. 

Level 1, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney                           

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: January

Tanuki 

A very welcome addition from the team behind beloved Sydney institution Matteo, Tanuki is a Japanese Izakaya headed up by Chef Ken Wee Lee (ex-sushi e, Zuma and Toko). Seafood aficionados will be thrilled with the offering that ranges from a raw bar to fresh seafood display. 

Whilst the Japanese menu is as elevated as they come, don't expect any stuffy or fussy vibes. Tanuki offers the kind of carefree, late-night dining scene Sydney is earning a reputation for, as evidenced by the playful drink's menu. 

37 Bay Street, Double Bay 

Toei

Next time you find yourself meandering through Surry Hills, make your way into this cosy neighbourhood restaurant. Serving Asian fusion snacks and dishes of all sizes, you'll be thrilled with the impeccable presentation and delish flavour pairings at Toei. Think five-spice buttermilk fried quail, octopus in Korean chilli paste glaze and Sydney rock oysters with white kimchi mignonette. The sunny yellow interiors with warm wooden accents will have you feel cheery from the minute you arrive. A great spot to linger over a series of snacks and a main or two. 

Shop 1 & 2, 185 Campbell Street, Surry Hills 

Bartiga
Bartiga

Bartiga 

2024 has begun with a bang with the opening of Double Bay restaurant Bartiga. Head Chef Noor (ex Gordon Ramsay's Maze, Testuya's) will be bringing his Malaysian legacy to the kitchen as well as a love for seasonal and Australian suppliers. You can expect a twist on Southeast Asian cuisine with the likes of poached bug roll with red curry pesto, BBQ prawn tom yum spaghettini and scotch MB4 with Asian herb chimichurri. 

As for drinks, consider the offering equally exciting. Mixologist Vincent Valliere has curated a cocktail list with the same Southeast Asian flair as the menu, whilst the wine list will thrill with 80 options up for grabs. 

Corner of Short Street and Bay Street, Double Bay 

Best New Restaurants in Sydney: November 2023

Penelope's Circular Quay restaurant
Penelope's

Penelope's 

Genre-bending restaurant Penelope's is more than just dinner with one of the best views in the city. Developed by Owner and Executive Chef Cuong Nguyen (of Hello Auntie fame) and Head Chef Bremmy Setiyoko, the menu showcases the diversity of Sydney's culture and flavours, prompting diners to ponder what it means to be Australian. Each item surprises and delights thanks to a thoroughly modern blend of traditional, multicultural spices and flavours and Australian native ingredients. 

Sitchu Tip: The pork and prawn ravioli is truly unmissable, as is the signature Indonesian-grilled Bakar Chicken, served with lemongrass, chilli and turmeric sambal and garlicky toum. While the view of the Harbour Bridge from the balcony tables is iconic, a spot at the bar overlooking the busy kitchen is an equally unique experience.

Quay Quarter Tower, Level 1, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney

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

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