Jo here again! Welcome back to my unsolicited monthly round-up of newly opened restaurants, a cocktail special, chefs to take note of, where to stay and venues you’ll find us making a reservation or two. 

Enjoy!
xx Jo Hombsch 

NEW SOUTH WALES

The Gantry New Head Chef – Rhys Connell

Rhys Connell has made his way back to Sydney, calling Pier One’s The Gantry his new home. The waterside restaurant opened its doors in early March for a limited preview until June, allowing him the time to develop a new menu before reopening after a heritage restoration and design refresh. His menu takes cue from the architectural beauty of the heritage-listed Pier and its harbour location, serving diners a seasonal seafood-centric menu.

Aperitivo hour at Frabbica Pasta Shop

So you’ve clocked off work, it’s too early for dinner but a little salty snack and spritz would go down a treat. Frabbica Pasta Shop, Raggazi’s sister restaurant has the answer – Aperitivo Hour. Every weekday in the court, the team are pouring $10 Negronis, $10 Aperol Spritzes and $5 Peroni’s paired with bite-sized snacks from 3-5 pm to get you through to dinner time.

QT Sydney’s Gowings Reopens with a new menu

As we welcome the first flights of tourists back into Aus, the iconic Gowings building has reopened its namesake restaurant, Gowings just in time. The New York City-inspired steakhouse has welcomed Sean Connolly on board as the creative director, with a menu that is set to be a crowd-pleaser.

Southern Highlands new luxury hotel

A new hotel in the Southern Highlands that was held behind closed lips right until the opening day. Osborn House is the perfect English countryside inspired getaway and a piece of paradise right in the Southern Highlands. Think Sohoesque vibes, the 22-suite property is nestled in Bundanoon a short two hours from Sydney.

The Shop & Wine Bar Reopens after a reno

After some delays, Bondi local’s favourite The Shop & Wine has reopened its doors with a revamped space that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. Pop by for their lovely fresh loaves, home-cooked meals, antipasto and a Pet Nat.

Ovolo Group Commits to going 100%  vegetarian

An All-day laneway snack bar

Bar Mammoni is the Quay Quarter Sydney’s newest resident and by bar the cheekiest to date. It’s small but mighty with a zippy collection of laneway food and drinks shepherding you from your first cappuccino of the day to your last cocktail. Seating only 30 Bar Mammoni’s menu draws on the pastry prowess of Grana Bakery and cocktail concoctions of Apollonia, sister venues located next door at Hinchcliff House.

Is This Australia’s Most Expensive Steak?

Botswana Butchery has opened its doors at the newly opened dining and drinking destination 25 Martin Place, right across from AALIA. It’s the menu that needs special mention, in particular the ‘Botswana Gold’, a 1.6kg Wagyu Tomahawk with a gold twist seeing the juicy tender piece of steak covered in gold leaf.

VICTORIA

Smith St Bistrot Opens Its doors

Scott Pickett opens the doors to Smith St Bistrot in Melbourne’s inner-north, the French bistro takes inspiration from Pickett’s favourite French dishes from Lille to Lyon. The interiors celebrate the building’s eclectic history with the sentiment of a ‘20s Parisienne Bistrot.

Experience Melbourne Food And Wine With Food Activist and Educator

Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple are celebrating the long-awaited return of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and celebrating with one very special night. Acclaimed Chef Christine Manfield and Minyunbal woman, food activist and educator Arabella Douglas takeover Rockpool for one night only on March 29th.

Tickets here

QUEENSLAND

Australia’s most indulgent hotel package

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Adelaide’s first open flame restaurant

Without a doubt this is Adelaide’s most anticipated restaurant of late. Opening in the leafy suburb of Norwood, Arkhé is more than just another restaurant to open in the already flourishing Adelaide foodie scene. At the helm is Jake Kellie, having returned from Singapore as head chef at Burnt Ends (World’s Top 50 Restaurant), Arkhé’s centrepiece is the open firewood in the middle of the kitchen, with each dish having some kind of fire element to it.