Jo here again! Let me start by saying eating and drinking well is something that I don’t take lightly. I make no attempt in saying that I’m an expert – I just know what I like, what I don’t like and what type of stays are worthy of our hard-earned penny.

To say the least, I’ve eaten my way around Australia and travelled throughout most parts of the globe. So with that in mind, 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 

Transport yourself to Barcelona with a reservation at La Salut, a Catalonian-Inspired Wine Bar from the team that brought us, Love, Tilly Devine, Ragazzi and Dear Sainte Eloise.

The 40-seat wine bar is inspired by wine bars in the Barcelonian suburb of La Salut. La Salut opens on November 5th located in the old sports bar of the recently revamped Norfolk in Redfern.

Ursula’s was on the tight list of much-anticipated restaurants to open in Sydney at the business end of the year, and this week we can finally experience Phil Wood’s first solo restaurant. Opening in Sydney’s leafy suburb of Paddington, Ursula’s is inspired by European neighbourhood bistros, a step up from your average diner if you ask me.

It’s the warm tones and natural light throughout the space that first grabs your attention. Sitting down to the menu you’ll notice classics that are driven with Australian and European flare.

Glenfiddich and MR PORTER launch a first-of-its-kind collaboration, a unique new expression of whisky through a highly creative lens. The limited edition of 1,500 bottles worldwide was curated by MR PORTER’S Creative Director Ben Palmer, under the expert guidance of Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman.

Due to the highly-limited vatting, luxury spirit enthusiasts and style seekers will need to visit Glenfiddich.com to register their details into the ballot, opening on Wednesday 3rd November at 00.01 GMT. The exclusive bottles are priced at $540.  

Martha’s Table on the Mornington Peninsula is reopening its doors and has just announced the appointment of Adam Beckett as the new executive chef. Beckett has created a contemporary Mediterranean menu that is centred around the wood-fired grill.

It’s the Mediterranean-inspired culinary destination on the Mornington Penisula with a restaurant, aperitivo bar and wine cellar as well as a providore, known as The Grocer. A must for those on a weekend getaway for wine tasting.

Corso Brio is a luxe new restaurant that is bringing a touch of elegance to Barangaroo. The 120 seat restaurant will showcase a modern Italian menu with a range of dining experiences from antipasto to a la carte and a set menu. Executive Chef Massimo de Michele states the menu is a “Journey through regional Italian cuisine,” amongst a world-class wine list that heroes both local and Italian makers.

Our favourite harbourside hotel, Pier One Sydney has announced they’re opening on November 5th, along with a suite of exciting new experiences just in time for summer.

If you’re looking for an outdoor harbour view ‘Pier Dining’ experience that features some of NSW’s best produce, local wine and spirits, this is it. Enjoy the ‘Luxe Picnic’ Suite experience located on a private balcony or in the new Pier Club with cocktails to-go on a private pontoon. You bet, Pier One Sydney is our go-to for summer entertaining.

When it comes to having a spritz of an afternoon this Spring, Chiswick’s lush green lawn is the place to be. This November the Woollahra restaurant welcomes back the ‘Picnic In The Lawn‘ event series in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire. The event will see the Chiswick lawn come to life over four weekends (13 November – 11 December). The menu will feature signature Chiswick snacks as well as an exclusive Chiswick X Bombay cocktail on arrival.

After many delays Nomad is finally set to call Melbourne its home away from home and will be opening its doors on November 15. Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor has developed a menu very similar to the celebrated Sydney menu – diners can expect wood-fired flatbreads, cheeses and charcuterie along with locally sourced proteins and produce. Take note as you’ll also find a few exclusive dishes at the Melbourne restaurant.

P&V Wine + Liquor in Paddington are stepping things up a few notches in the kitchen with a new chef and a new menu. On the eats menu, take your pick from Conservas Angelachu Sardines, Fig Leaf Oil, Kingfish Crudo, Yuzu Koshu and Toasted Pretzel Sopressa Ricotta Cured Yolk. For drinks, as always the best Australian local and imported natural wines, local and crafts beers and unique artisan spirits.

Whilst Haco isn’t a new venue in Surry Hills, it did however only open in April this year. It’s a tiny 12 seater restaurant so naturally, not too many Sydneysiders have sat at this Surry Hills tempura restaurant.

Located down Alberta Street, tucked away at the end of the laneway you’ll find Keita Abe and the practised chefs prepping, serving and frying omakase.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon has teamed up with The Cut Barbershop & Red Lantern Restaurant for a limited-edition Buffalo, Beards n’ BBQ activation!

For two weekends only from November 4th – Sydney-siders can celebrate post-lockdown life with a much needed fresh haircut or beard trim whilst sipping on a Buffalo Trace Bourbon cocktail ‘The Xich Lo Sour’ paired with a decadent loaded Asian Spiced Pulled Beef Brisket Sandwich infused with Buffalo Trace Hotsauce.

Make a booking at The Cut’s website here.

A new cosy Italian restaurant, bar and bottle shop is set to open at the end of the month down the business end of things on Oxford Street. Paski Vineria Popolare aka Paski founded by vino expert Giorgio De Maria, by his side is Mattia Dicati and chef Enrico Tomelleri.

Watch this space for the opening dates and reservations here.

Award-winning chef and best-selling author, Shannon Martinez has announced a new venue location, where she’ll be combing her previously separate venues, Smith & Daughters and Smith & Deli to become one.

Smith & Daughters is set to launch early November in Collingwood, Victoria. The new venue will be one of the biggest vegan hubs in the world, with dining, a large production kitchen, groceries, a deli providore and an elevated restaurant housed under the one iconic roof.

Here’s a luxe burger, chips and beer deal to take note of. For just $25 at Rockpool Sydney’s bar, take your pick from either David Blackmore’s Wagyu Burger with Bacon, Gruyere Cheese and Zuni Pickle Burger, Rockpool Cheeseburger with Bacon or the Dill Pickle Burger, add fat chips and a beer and you’re set for a great way to experience premium dining at a good price point.

Available Tuesday to Friday, 12 pm – 9 pm for walk-ins only.

Picture this, a sun-filled afternoon with a cocktail in hand at Marrickville’s newest rooftop bar…. say hello to Marrickville Springs. Over the winter months, the team at Philter Brewing turned their rooftop into a retro paradise that gives a nod to Palm Springs.

On the drinks menu is Philter favourites, a tight Australian wine list and classic cocktails by Jacoby’s in Newtown. As for the food, it will be fresh and easy and all about having a good time.

Fratelli Fresh welcomes another member to their Italian family, opening up a venue at Grosvenor Place in the city. The new 250-seat, split-level, upscale Fratelli Fresh features a spacious, light-filled dining room, open kitchen, separate bar area, large mezzanine, and a leafy alfresco terrace with cityscape views.

Everyone’s favourite for a Sunday afternoon sip, Mama Saan has just relaunched in Bondi after spending the long months of lockdown renovating and revamping the menu. The venue is known for its modern take on Japanese tapas cuisine and its live music with artists performing five nights a week focusing on supporting Bondi locals.

The Butler is celebrating spring with their annual month-long celebration, ‘The Butler In Bloom’. From 1st -30th November, The Bulter will be transformed into a flowery oasis complete with breathtaking floral and art installations, a delightful new Spritz cocktail menu in collaboration with Lillet French aperitif wines, and a decedent Spring dessert special.

The team behind the Middle Eastern eatery Above Par have opened Malika Bakehouse an authentic Turkish bakery located in Botany. Malika Bakehouse is a new school bakery, with a team of Turkish bakers creating a selection of freshly baked pastries daily.

On the menu, expect traditional Turkish baked goods like Borek (a pastry made of thin flaky dough with a variety of fillings), Corek (a salty-buttery seeded muffin), Pogaca (a savoury bread), Acma (a soft Turkish bagel) and everyone’s favourite Baklava (a layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey).

Cash Only Diner, a new Vietnamese restaurant right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The venue is from the team behind the award-winning cocktail and spirits bar, Burrow Bar. Unlike most Vietnamese restaurants in Australia, you won’t find pho or banh mi at Cash Only Diner, instead, you’ll find a style of food that hasn’t been done locally before. The dishes are from the region Hue, drawing inspiration from owner Chau’s family heritage.