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

North Bondi Kepos is taking over North Bondi Fish

Matt Moran and North Bondi Fish have teamed up with Kepos Street Kitchen’s Michael Rantissi to bring us North Bondi Kepos a pop-up taking over North Bondi Fish during the cooler months. Expect, hummus made at your table, kingfish ceviche, coriander-crusted slow-roasted lamb shoulder and for the first-ever breakfast on the weekends along with DJs and live music.

The Bar Double Bay

Restaurateur and Entrepreneur, Maurice Terzini (Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, CicciaBella, RE, Belongil Beach Italian Food) have announced a residency to evolve the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay’s food and beverage offering with the opening of The Bar, assisted by his long-standing partner and Director of Operations, Dave Owen.

The Villager returns to Mt Buller

The Villager located in Mt Buller is back this year with a new French-inspired menu. Located in Mt Buller’s central hub, The Villager is set to reclaim the mountain this season as the ultimate spot for après ski, with dinner served six nights a week as well as lunch Friday-Sunday. 

The strand celebrates Bastille Day

Revel at the brand new Strand Bistro located in the heart of Darlinghurst. Bolstered by a playful sense of mischief, the bistro draws its cues from turn-of-the-century Paris, with a modern laidback interpretation of French cuisine. This 15th and 16th July, enjoy a late night-happy hour from 12am – 2am with $15 offerings including a Late Night Le’Burger, French Dip with Rare Roast Beef, Mustard, Gravy & Fries, Three Cheese Toasties with Gruyere and Truffled Brie, Mozzarella.

A new Japanese restaurant opens up in Sydney CBD

The dining precinct at 25 Martin Place is now complete with the opening of Japanese restaurant Kazan this month. The vision behind Kazan is to allow guests to experience the theatre and art of Japanese cuisine. Set within the unique circular space above Theatre Royal, Kazan reflects the ‘Noh Stage’ – a simple traditional Japanese performance space where there is no curtain to separate performers and audience – in the open space between their talented chefs and diners.

Rivareno Gelato

Two Good Co launches its first cafe

Much-loved social enterprise Two Good Co has opened its first cafe and concierge service in Darlinghurst. Each month the menu will feature a monthly toastie, salad and baked good specials curated by some of their chef friends. The July special features Darren Robertson’s cauliflower cheese toastie; Italian sausage, pear, lentil, and watercress salad; and his famous ‘Archie’s chocolate cookies’. The August specials will be curated by Belinda Jeffery and Matt Moran for September with this Croque Monsieur.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australia’s newest off-grid luxury tiny cabin

An innovative South Australian eco-tourism company is changing the face of accommodation with the launch of a second off-grid luxury tiny cabin boasting world-class views. The immersive tiny cabin, named Maldhi, is nestled on the edge of a picturesque gully overlooking the coastal cliffs of Sleaford Bay, on the south coast of the Eyre Peninsula.

QUEENSLAND

Fishbowl opens up in Brisbane

Japanese salad group FISHBOWL is expanding into Brisbane with their first store opening up in Gasworks Plaza, Newstead. They’ll be the same Japanese salads made to order, filled with fresh vegetables, sustainably sourced seafood, and natural ingredients we all love.

The Star Residences Gold Coast

The Langham Gold Coast