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!

NEW SOUTH WALES 

ELE, a multi-sensory restaurant to open at The Star Sydney

CHASE KOJIMA WELCOMES BACK HIS HIGHLY COVETABLE OMAKASE MENU TO SOKYO and kiyomi

Chase Kojima’s omakase menu is making a comeback to The Star Sydney’s Sokyo and The Star Gold Coast Kiyomi. The intimate 20 courses are personally prepared in front of guests by Kojima or Head Chef Daniel Kwak (Kiyomi). The exclusive dining experience is only available to six guests per night Monday to Thursday.

 

 

A Bar within A Bar

The concept of creating a bar within a bar was dreamt up over a few Negroni’s between Iceberg’s Maurice Terzini and Bar Americano’s Matthew Bax during a night out in Venice. Until 1st May, a tiny replica of Bar Americano seating only 7 guests just off Collins Street in Melbourne has been built within Icebergs. Enjoy the same cocktail menu and tiny window overlooking out onto Bondi Beach.

See here for reservations and more details.

New Italian restaurant Civico 47 opens up in Paddington

Da Orazio Pizza reopens in its original home

Bondi welcomes back its much loved Da Orazio, with restaurateur Orazio D’Elia swinging open the doors to its original home. The menu will feature favourites from the original Da Orazio, with some reimaged dishes. Think good looking snacks like Mortadella, Cacio e Pepe and a pizza menu with contemporary dough.

 

 

Blackwood opens up in Bondi

The boys behind Cronulla’s popular cafe Blackwood, have opened up a second venue in Bondi. Back a couple of streets from the beach on Glenayr Avenue, Blackwood Bondi boasts a light-filled dining room with a menu that is a little more sophisticated than its sister venue. The all-day menu offers the Blackwood favourites, including scrambled eggs with truffled chilli sauce and a few new additions.

 

 

‘A Taste of Turkey’ feast at Anason

Transport yourself to an evening in Turkey with renowned chef Grant King as he teams up with Anason to showcase a modern Turkish tasting menu inspired by his time travelling through Turkey. On Tuesday 26 April, the delicious night of Turkish feasting will feature menu highlights such as Zucchini Falafel, Cannoli with currant and burghal and Lamb Manti with smoked tomato and yoghurt.

For more details and booking see here.

Dust hits Maybe Sammy with a new cocktail menu

It’s been 12 months since the team from Maybe Sammy has updated their cocktail menu. From April 6, step into a world of ethereal romance, with their new cocktail menu ‘Stardust’. The collection of 12 signature cocktails has been inspired by artistic doyennes from the fields of music, art, cinema and fashion – women who have shaped and inspired us artistically for generations.

The Castlereagh a pub-style bistro opens at a landmark CBD venue

Irish-Australian chef, Colin Fassnidge, opens the doors to a contemporary pub-style bistro in the heart of Sydney CBD. Located within the iconic building, The Castlereagh club; The Castlereagh by Fassnidge will embrace produce from local farmers and suppliers to marry the warmth and comforts of your local go-to with a restaurant-quality menu.

Toby’s Estate open’s a new flagship venue in Chippendale

Toby’s Estate has swung open the doors to its new flagship store in Chippendale. The new venue breaks down the walls between barista and customer for a coffee experience. The whole space is geared towards interactions, you can sit at the bar and watch your coffee being made and walk through the large sliding glass doors on show, giving you access to Toby Estate’s roastery where the team develop and roast over 10 coffee at any given time.

The Rover Opens as a polish version of its former self

The Wild Rover has all grown up, having officially opened its doors as a polished version of its former self. The Rover brings the bustling charm of a dapper New York cocktail bar to the Surry Hills venue, while still respecting the rustic charm and good-time Irish heritage of the previous space. The expanded food menu designed by Chef Pip Pratt (also Executive Chef of Bistecca and The Gidley) has crafted a New England-inspired and seafood-driven menu boasting everything that’s great to share.

Glamp at Paperbark Camp with The Botanist Gin

Unwind under a canopy of paperbark trees and take in your surroundings at Paperbark Camp while enjoying the foraged botanicals of The Botanist Gin. Until the end of April, stay at The Botanist Gin deluxe plus safari tent which will be kitted out with a complete cocktail set including a complimentary bottle of The Botanist Gin. Guests will also be treated to a full breakfast, a three-course dinner.

For those wanting to experience the Botanist Gin tent email Paperback Camp

Matteo downtown relaunches with a new menu

Matteo relaunched their CBD sister venue Matteo Downtown, as the louder, bigger and brighter sister to the relaxed Double Bay restaurant. The CBD venue will offer a true Northern Italian ristorante experience, with authentic Italian flavours in a contemporary urban setting. On the menu; Roman-style pizza, fresh in-house made pastas, Caprese Di Gamberi, House Made Cannelloni & Brodetto di pesce.

Flyover Fritterie spreads its wings

From a hole-in-the-wall in Sydney’s CBD offering just 4 (incredibly popular) menu items, Flyover Fritterie has spread its wings and relocated to a larger venue in Redfern’s Regent Street. The unique eatery now offers both eat-in and takeaway, and an expanded menu of dishes that continue to challenge the Aussie palate for Indian food.

Cult favourite SHUK Bondi has hit Surry Hills

After nearly 10 successful years of Shuk Bondi, owners Ariel Hefer, Yehonatan (Yoni) Kalfus & German Sanchez have been on the search for the right venue in Surry Hills for some time.  You’ll find all the Israeli/Middle Eastern signature favourites at the new Crown Street venue, such as shakshuka, floral granola, delicious hummus with lamb and grilled halloumi salad.

Victoria 

The Continental Sorrento opens

Iconic seaside pub, The Continental or as locals call it ‘The Conti’ by Craig Shearer and Scott Pickett opens its doors to its flagship restaurant Audrey’s, a late-night speakeasy Barlow and the Public Bar and Beer garden.

See here for details on all venues.

Repeat Offender Launches Week-long Tequila Celebration

Elwood hotspot, Repeat Offender is set to host a tequila week in celebration of sugar, spice and all things tequila. This Tuesday 5th – Sunday 10th of April, Repeat Offender is shining a light on its tequila offerings, with a delightful tasting of Herradura’s finest four spirits for $40pp, along with a fresh new cocktail, the Mighty Margarita. There’s also the option to pair your tastings with tacos.