The Best New Restaurants in Sydney 2026

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that Sydney’s dining scene isn’t done surprising us. 2026 is already shaping up to be just as exciting, with every month seemingly bringing a new opening and giving us even more reasons to book that table, order that dessert and stay out a little longer.

From intimate neighbourhood spots to big, splashy arrivals worth planning a night around, these are the restaurants setting the tone for the year ahead. Whether you’re chasing a new date-night favourite or your next group-dining go-to, this edit of Sydney’s best new restaurants for 2026 is the place to kick things off.

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.

Coming July 2026

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: March

Besa

Bondi nights are about to get a little more caliente. From the team at ESCA Hospitality Group, Besa is the new Spanish tapas bar bringing a touch of Madrid’s after-dark energy to the beach. With share-style coastal plates, a globe-spanning Spanish wine list and even literary-inspired cocktails (yes, really), it feels like attention to detail is everything here.

Taking its name from the Spanish word for ‘kiss,’ a sense of connection and community is at the heart of the venue. Madrid is known for its food and drink scene, particularly its small yet packed bars which quite literally hum with energy. Besa is designed to emulate all that, especially with it’s moodily lit fit-out. With DJs set to spin Spanish-leaning funk and house from Friday to Sunday, this is a very exciting late night haunt for Bondi.

75-79 Hall Street, Bondi, NSW 2000

Best New Restaurants: February

The James

Set within The Langham, The James marks SRG Hospitality’s debut into luxury hotels, celebrating the group’s 25th year with a contemporary British dining room. Led by Head Chef Sam Tuchband, the menu reimagines British comfort classics through a modern Australian lens, including decadent Wagyu Beef Wellington served tableside, spanner crab Waldorf and even a sticky toffee pudding soufflé. Anchored in Old World wines (with a nod to English sparkling) and set within a beautiful space reminiscent of a classic English dining room, The James is already one of Sydney’s most polished new opening of the year.

89–113 Kent Street, Millers Point, Sydney NSW Australia

AORI

Barangaroo has scored a major after-dark draw with the opening of AORI opening on King Street Wharf. From the team behind Alegre and Callao, this luxe newcomer leans fully into Japanese tradition, filtered through a modern Australian lens. The vibe is easygoing by day but switches to mood-lit and magnetic by night, in a subtle nod to Tokyo’s after-dark edge.

In the kitchen, precision rules. Expect expertly cut sashimi from the raw bar and premium cuts of flame-kissed meats which guests can hand select from the roaming steak trolley. The bar is equally impressive, with Japanese whisky and saké at the helm, alongside cocktails that arrive with just enough theatre to keep things exciting (we’re looking at the tableside smoked old fashioned). No matter the occasion, there’s plenty of room to have almost any kind of experience here. Alongside the main dining room, the venue houses a lounge, open kitchen, bar and balcony spaces, alongside semi-private and private dining rooms. Oh, and did we mention the resident DJ booth? We think a Saturday booking might be the go for that one.

39 Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000

Darling Glebe

Darling Glebe has seen the legendary Darling Mills site reborn as a moody subterranean brasserie with a touch of French flair. Utilising the original sandstone alongside vaulted ceilings and a mix of dining zones, from the main room to an intimate private cellar, the space sets the tone before you’ve even ordered a drink.

Chef Jeff Schroeter, whose résumé spans The Savoy London, New York’s Royalton and Sydney favourites like Bistro Moncur, has returned to the storied Glebe Point Road space with a venue that blends European polish, NYC edge and plenty of late-night martini energy. The headline act is a French omakase-style chef’s table, personally hosted by Schroeter, alongside a dedicated martini bar curated by award-winning bartender Charlie Ainsbury. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a distinct global edge, this certainly delivers.

134A Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037

Sahtein

Grounded in the everyday cooking of Beirut. Sahtein is a new Lebanese restaurant leading with heart and flavour . Led by Executive Chef Mike Flood alongside Head Chef Rifat Katranci, the menu focuses on wood-fired and charcoal-grilled dishes, generous mezze and classic plates designed for sharing. Expect familiar flavours done well, from kibbeh nayeh and balila to charcoal-grilled wagyu skewers and slow-cooked lamb. Reminiscent of traditional dishes you’d find throughout the city, served in a relaxed and welcoming space, this venue is already a firm favourite for laidback lunches and lively dinners.

Argyle Stores, 18b Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Vitelli’s Upstairs

Wunderlich Lane has welcomed a lively new Italian with the arrival of Vitelli’s Upstairs; a New York-inspired trattoria from the House Made Hospitality crew. Taking over the former Baptist Street Rec. Club space, the venue keeps the moody, good-time energy with a menu built around sharing and trying one of everything.

Expect red-sauce favourites, golden Milanese and house-made pasta at the heart of it all, alongside playful desserts and a distinctly Italian drinks list which runs heavy on amaro, spritzes and cellos. Come early for a proper sit-down dinner or swing by later when the DJs take over and the 20-seat bar hums. There’s no bad time to visit!

Corner of Cleveland &, Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2011

Best New Restaurants: January

Claret Club

Set across a two-storey Darlinghurst terrace, Claret Club pairs a serious wine program with a thoughtful, European-inspired dining room upstairs. Led by Head Chef Andy Buchanan, the à la carte menu leans into refined, wine-friendly cooking — think pig’s head croquettes, gnocco fritto with anchovy and sage, market fish with sauce vierge and roast duck with summer cherries. It’s relaxed yet polished, and given its homely aesthetic, it’s almost like having a really delicious dinner at a friends house.

77 Stanley St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Writer

Lucy Cocoran

3 March 2026

Lucy Cocoran is the Sydney Editor for Sitchu. When she’s not following the scent of pastries, she enjoys reading fantasy books, finding zen at Pilates and smiling at dogs.