Best New Restaurants in Sydney 2024

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!

Morena (Image Credits: Ariana Leggerio)

Morena

Nestled in the heart of Sydney's CBD within the iconic GPO building at No. 1 Martin Place, Morena is the newest culinary venture from the Renascence Group, renowned for its acclaimed eateries like Farmer's Daughters and Victoria by Farmer's Daughters in Melbourne.

This sprawling 200-seat restaurant is dedicated to showcasing the vibrant flavours from Executive Chef, Alejandro Saravia's  native Peru, along with offerings from Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil. The menu champions locally sourced ingredients working closely with farmers, suppliers and producers whilst also sourcing authentic ingredients from across Latin America. 

Sitchu Tip: Don't miss the ceviche with ginger, shallots, leche de tigre, yuyos and tortitas de choclo prepared fresh at your table. And for a main the Fore quarter Kaloola suckling pig, with jus and mojo is a standout.

No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney

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 

Izgara 

Popular Potts Point restaurant Izgara has just relocated to the city and the refreshed menu is an absolute joy. A relaxed energy means Izgara is the perfect spot for any occasion with share-style plates the order of the day.  The restaurant centres around the Ocakbasi grill, a popular method in Istanbul, which produces the likes of kebab, grilled prawns and lamb kofte. With 250 local and international wines on the menu and cocktails boasting oriental twists, Izgara also makes for the perfect spot to wind down and snack after a long day in the city. 

Sitchu Tip: The cauliflower with ras el hanout and halloumi with honey, walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes and currants are two dishes not to be missed! 

215 Clarence Street, Sydney 

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 

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 

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                           

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 

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 

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

Bobby's 

Just steps away from Cronulla Beach lies this Mediterranean-led seafood restaurant brimming with both style and substance. There's a little something for everyone at Bobby's with an all-day coffee cart offering coffee by morning and Spritz's at sunset, a restaurant for long lunching and a beach club perfect for a cocktail and snacks. 

 What can you expect on the food front? Think brioche prawn rolls, Cantabrian anchovies on toast, ocean trout crudo and a very special lemon tiramisu, all cooked up by Executive chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex-executive chef Otto & Tottis) and head chef Shaun Baker (Pier, Yan Restaurant, Bills Restaurants). As for drinks, the focus is on Mediterranean wines and light and fresh cocktails. 

6R The Esplanade, Cronulla 

Chez Blue 

Rozelle has become home to its very own French bistro. Chez Blue seeks to share the joy of dining on the streets of Paris with one and all. An intimate cocktail bar provides the perfect post-work hangout whilst the 90-seater bistro will be beckoning those keen on wining and dining. 

Cosy booths, banquette seating and mosaic tiling evoke a moody atmosphere whilst the menu delights with dishes curated by Head Chef Mark Williamson (ex-Bistro Moncur). Expect classic French with a fresh spin - tuna tartare and tabasco, peach and tomato dressed in goat's curd and brûléed chicken liver pate. A mostly French wine list tops things off alongside some reworked classic cocktails. 

599 Darling Street, Rozelle

Itō

A very welcome addition to the Crown Street scene, Itō is the Japanese Izakaya you need on your restaurant rotation. Head Chef Erik Ortolani has combined his Italian heritage and passion for Japanese cooking to craft something truly unique. Dishes like yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved bottarga and Wagyu mafaldine paired with white shimeji and miso grace the menu and will give you a whole new appreciation for fusion cuisine. 

Key to the Itō experience is the drinks menu which features Japanese inspired classic cocktails, a quirky selection of wines from Japan and an extensive sake selection. The pared back interiors with fun pops of colour set the scene for the perfect night out. 

413-415 Crown Street, Surry Hill

Nico 

Sydney's brand-new culinary gem, Nico, doesn't do things by halves. Everything here is flawless, from the Italian apertifs to the Amalfi Coast-inspired decor. Chef Nicola Ronconi and his business partner Ewa Witkowska have succeeded in bringing a fresh take on the classics to Sydney's Italian scene - no easy feat! The pops of terracotta and jewel blue combined with ambient lighting make for the perfect mini 'holiday' in the form of after work drinks or a weekend date spot. 

Handmade pasta, Kingfish crudo and Sfogilatella stuffed with avocado and caviar are some of the delights you can look forward to. But it's the lemon tiramisu that's got people talking. Chef Nicola's recipe has been honed for over ten years and has reached icon status. The soft lemon cream is the ideal light dish to end an incredible meal. 

Sitchu Tip: The homemade focaccia with smoked butter may well be a top contender for the best focaccia in Sydney. 

17/450 Miller Street, Cammeray 

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.