NEW SOUTH WALES

The Brighton Hotel Sydney has officially opened, apart of the MGallery Collection this boutique bayside retreat in the heart of Brighton Le-Sands. With 307 sun-soaked rooms and suites, Mediterranean-inspired dining at Ammos, a lively beachfront bar (with more dining concepts to follow), and restorative wellness offerings by the sea, The Brighton brings a resort-style experience – all just minutes from Sydney city and the airport.

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Every weeknight at 9.30pm, bar tilda will be giving guests a reason to stick around (or swing by late) with a free mini cocktail and whisky ball. The rotating dessert cocktail is inspired by iconic sweet treats served alongside a chocolate coconut ball spiked with Australian whisky.

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Bistro Ebony has officially opened, located on Pitt Street, a European-style bistro where the polish of fine dining meets prices that don’t sting. With most dishes being under $50 and more than half the wine list clocks in below $120. Executive Chef Alessandro Mandelli keeps the cooking in familiar French and Italian territory, big on technique, light on fuss. And if you’re just after a quick bite, the bar’s $25 steak frites baguette with a schooner of Peroni is likely to be one of the better deals in the CBD.

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25hours Hotel The Olympia has officially opened, the property reimagines one of Sydney’s most storied cultural landmarks and ushers in a vibrant new lifestyle precinct. Located on the heritage-listed site of the former West Olympia Theatre, the precinct brings together design, dining, and culture in one destination that celebrates creativity and community in equal measure – marking the Australian debut of 25hours Hotels, part of Ennismore’s global lifestyle portfolio.

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Franca welcomes back its Iconic Veuve Clicquot Brunch, available for a limited season, the signature Crumpets and Caviar set the tone for an afternoon of indulgence with an assortment of Black peal oscietra caviar, smoked salmon roe, Rainbow trout roe and Ikura shoyu azure, perfect for pairing with champagne.

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Sydney has officially welcomed its first premium Indonesian restaurant, Aroma of Indonesia, which has just opened on Clarence Street in the CBD. Helmed by Indonesian-born husband and wife chefs Nessiana Pamudji and Ferry Tshai (ex China Doll, Billy Kwong), Aroma builds on the loyal following the duo built with The Sambal – their beloved Kent Street eatery known for authentic, no-frills Indonesian food. With this new venture, they’re stepping things up, delivering a refined, modern dining experience that showcases the depth of Indonesian cuisine far beyond Bali.

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Darling Square continues to strengthen its position as one of Sydney’s most dynamic dining destinations with the arrival of several new Japanese venues, each bringing a fresh expression of Japan’s rich culinary culture to the heart of the city. Yayoi, Moyashi, and Don’to, Darling Square’s latest openings, have transformed the precinct into a hub for authentic Japanese flavours, spanning everything from traditional teishoku and all-you-can-eat hot pot to fast-paced donburi rice bowls inspired by Tokyo’s Showa era.

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Bistro Moncur has launched its beloved Sunday Marché, an annual spring/summer dining tradition that celebrates the charm of French markets and the vibrant flavours of Australian produce. Following the success of last summer’s market menu and the recent sell-out winter roast series, Head Chef Tom Deadman and Restaurant Manager Simon Tebbs have once again come together to create something truly special for the warmer months. Inspired by the bustling markets of France and the bounty of Sydney’s local producers, the duo have crafted a dynamic new Sunday experience that blends French flair with an unmistakable Aussie twist.

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Newly opened, Ost. (short for Osteria) is the brand-new all-day eatery and small bar from hospitality heavyweight Michael Broome (Ette, Jacksons on George). Designed for everything from morning coffee runs to corporate lunches and after-work drinks, it’s set to become the neighbourhood go-to! The hero? A huge, light-filled beer garden with soaring 10-metre ceilings, lush greenery, and communal tables.

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From 24th October to 2nd November Solotel is partnering with Veuve Clicquot to launch Clicquot and Claws – a limited-time indulgence celebrating World Champagne Day (24th October) with one truly iconic pairing. Select venues including Aria, Barangaroo House, Chiswick, Chophouse Terrace and North Bondi Fish, will serve up bold, buttery lobster dishes such as the Brolos lobster burger and the Brolos grilled half lobster with herb & garlic butter & chips – paired perfectly with Veuve Clicquot by the glass or bottle.

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Happening from 27th October to 2nd November, Halloween is creeping into Solotel venues across Sydney with spooky parties, DJ sets and eerie entertainment all week long. In partnership with Bacardi, a limited-edition Halloween cocktail menu will be available, featuring the Bloody Good Drink (served in blood bags). On 31st October, kids under 12 eat free from 4pm at select venues like Public House Petersham, The Erko and The Woodstock, with frightfully fun dishes like the Scary Schnitzel and Gory Gummy Sundae.

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Ette has brought a fresh, fast fine dining experience to the CBD, led by British-born chef Adam Grimsley. The venue, located in a dynamic CBD laneway, brings together the warmth of European tradition with the precision of contemporary Australian cuisine, making it a must-visit for steak lovers. This month they have introduced an exceptional selection of sustainable steak cuts, each cooked to perfection over a lava rock grill, offering intense flavours.

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The Winery has launched a brand-new Wine & Dine series, throughout Spring enjoy a curated 3-course dinner, expertly paired with top-tier wines from Australia and beyond, all for just $129pp. Each evening begins with a glass of NV Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Champagne, setting the tone for an indulgent night. The October menu features highlights like Arancini with confit tomatoes and fennel mayo, a perfectly roasted Lamb Rack with parsnip puree and agrodolce, and a decadent Rum Au Baba for dessert. To finish, enjoy an Espresso Martini that perfectly rounds out the experience. Wine pairings for each course include exceptional Australian and international selections such as Rockford Estate Chardonnay and The Hare & The Tortoise Shiraz.

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Darling Pavilion has introduced their new Bottomless Gnocchi, the ultimate indulgence for pasta lovers. For just $38pp, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of endless, perfectly cooked gnocchi served in four delicious variations. From the earthy richness of Tartufo Porcini Gnocchi to the smoky heat of Chorizo Gnocchi, there’s something for everyone, with a rotating chef’s special to surprise you each week.

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ABODE Bistro. Bar is offering the perfect midweek wind-down, with $2 oysters, $15 cocktails and live acoustic music in a relaxed, award-winning setting in the heart of the CBD. From Monday to Friday, 4:30pm-6:30pm, guests can enjoy freshly shucked oysters, selected beers and wines from just $6 a glass and signature $15 cocktails.

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Woollahra Hotel is partnering up with Casamigos, to transform into a tequila-fuelled house of frightful fun for the Festival of Frights – a 3-day fiesta blending the spookiness of Halloween with the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos! Taking place from Friday 31 October – Sunday 2 November, this festival is set to become a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers, Halloween enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique way to celebrate the season!

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Gin Lane has opened their new pop-up! A BookTok-inspired cocktail experience channelling the worlds of Gen Z cult fave A Court of Thorns and Roses, plus millennial classics Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. From tarot readings by resident Seer who’ll match guests to their magical realm (and drink) to bubbling cauldrons and shimmering elixirs, Gin Lane’s 18th century townhouse in Chippendale has transformed into a mythical tavern for this limited-edition event.

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VICTORIA

IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first dual-branded hotel property in Australia in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. The Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall and Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins, two hotels at one great destination. To celebrate, both hotels are offering an Opening Special of breakfast for two for just $1 extra on top of the best flexible rate, just in time for the school holidays.

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Firebird has launched Lunchbreak, a 90-minute share-style lunch available every Saturday and Sunday with oysters, skewers, rice, sides and free-flowing drinks for $76 per person (minimum of two people). The menu kicks off with a ½ dozen oysters with pineapple mignonette and chilli (add more for just $2 each), before moving onto Firebird’s daily fried rice and a signature sharing platter.

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New Quarter has introduced Tuesday Nights, a $50 per person set menu designed for sharing, and a glass of wine or beer per diner. Available every Tuesday from 5:00 PM, it’s a three-course experience that pairs bold Vietnamese flavours with a monthly rotating line-up of star proteins.

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Renowned Australian Chef Shannon Bennett will extend his Fitzroy pop-up at BistroX, alongside his team of long-time chef collaborators and fellow Vue de Monde alumni including Cory Campbell (Cuisine Chef Of The Year), Ryan Henley (leading Pescatore, Christchurch to two Chef’s Hats) and Master Sommelier, Carlos Simoes Santos, with Steven Kirkpatrick leading front of house.

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This Spring, Re’em Yarra Valley at Helen & Joey Estate is offering Yarra Valley locals, Victorian day-trippers and holiday-makers alike, a new weekend dining ritual, with Sunday Yum Cha. Guests are invited to gather over xiao long bao, fried rice and more, with a menu that marries the best of Victorian produce with Owner Helen Xu’s heritage, paired perfectly with premium estate wines.

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Airstream mobile cellar door will be hosting a one-night-only bash at 524 Flinders on 15th November. Think drag, flash tattoos, tarot readings, fresh cuts, glam touch-ups, DJs and Slowpoke burgers, all washed down with Innocent Bystander wine. Tickets are just $25, which includes two glasses of Innocent Bystander wine, a Slowpoke burger, and all the experiences — from tattoos to makeovers — completely free.

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