The Best New Restaurants In Sydney Right Now

What’s the best new restaurant in Sydney? Despite the fact that we’re not a city-living rag, it’s a question that we’re often asked at Boss Hunting.

In that spirit, we’ve compiled a rolling list – updated every quarter – of all the best new Sydney restaurants (all opened within a year) below.

RELATED: The 11 Best Bars In Surry Hills

---

---

The Best New Sydney Restaurants Right Now

Cibaria, Manly

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, Ormeggio chef Alessandro Pavoni’s latest venture, Cibaria, is guaranteed to get you excited.

Situated bang on Manley beach, you’ll have the chance to wander between six dedicated kitchens – the trattoria, friggitoria, forneria, spaghetteria, gelateria, and pasticceria – that are arranged in a “piazza” style layout.

Sharing options include classic fritto misto alongside playful lasagne fritters, marinara pizzettas or lemony scallops in shells, while the pizzetta dough ferments for 72 hours before receiving a woodfired finish.

It’s casual, all-day dining, just like you’d find in Italy.

Opened: January 2025
Address: 55 N Steyne, Manly NSW 2095
Phone: (02) 8350 0895
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday (7 AM – 11 AM, 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM); Friday – Saturday (7 AM – 11 AM, 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM); Sunday (7 AM – 11 AM, 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM)

---

Izakaya Gaku, Five Dock

Izakaya Gaku, out in Sydney’s inner west, sees chefs Shimon Hanakura and Haru Inukai swap fine dining for a more casual approach to bringing peerless Japanese dishes to Sydney.

The cosy dining room, complete with tatami-style seating, sets the stage for the star of the menu, kamameshi.

This dish features Nagano koshihikari rice, soy–mirin broth and vegetables simmered in an iron kama, crowned with your choice of chicken, salmon, lobster tail, Japanese oysters or Aussie Wagyu sukiyaki.

It’s the only place in Sydney you’ll find it, and if that wasn’t enough, you’ll be able to wash it down with yuzu saké or the house umeshu.

Opened: March 2025
Address: 175 First Ave, Five Dock NSW 2046
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday (5 PM – 8:30 PM); Saturday – Sunday (12 PM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM)

---

Olympic Meats, Marrickville

There’s plenty of hype around the recently opened Olympic Meats in Marrickville, and we’re here to tell you the Greek diner lives up to it.

From the moment the doors open, keen Sydneysiders were lining up for takeaway gyros or to grab a coveted table, ready to tuck into six-hour lamb off the grill or chicken and pork that melt in the mouth.

The cured vegetables, moreish beef-tallow chips, and rotating meze are also more than worth trying, alongside the house-stretched filo wraps that you won’t forget in a hurry.

There are no bookings, so if you’re after a table, you’ll need to arrive early. In saying that, it’ll be more than worth the effort.

Opened: March 2025
Address: 12 Dudley St, Marrickville NSW 2204
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday (5 PM – 9:30 PM); Saturday (12 PM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM); Sunday (12 PM – 4:30 PM)

---

Eleven Barrack, Sydney CBD

Situated in the 19th-century Barrack Street Bank building at the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Eleven Barrack is the latest entrant into the fray of high-end steak & seafood joints popping up all over the Harbour City.

This one comes to diners from Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt (of Bentley Group fame), complete with outdoor dining, private function space and an elongated marble bartop – giving city-slick power brokers multiple ways to indulge. 

As you’d expect, Savage & Co have opted to let Eleven Barrack’s grandiose dining space deliver most of the (unsurprisingly punchy) first impressions: by offering a menu of classic steakhouse dishes, elevated through sheer execution. 

Morsels coming off the pass we’ve seen go viral include the restaurant’s glossy pork tomahawk, generously laden fish pie served in the carcass of a spanner crab, and a prebatched Negroni that will knock your socks off.

Opened: February 2025
Address: 11 Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9220 0111
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (12 PM – 10 PM); Saturday – Sunday (5:30 PM –10 PM)

---

Glass Brasserie, Sydney CBD

Though Glass Brasserie has been a fixture of the Sydney CBD restaurant scene since the mid-2000s (helmed, for over a decade, by Luke Mangan), this modern fine diner has gotten a fresh lease of life as of late, under the leadership of newly appointed Head Chef Natalie Murphy.

In line with what savvy diners would expect from the signature restaurant at a 5-star hotel such as The Hilton, the menu prioritises simplicity and seasonality, with Murphy’s “modern approach to dining” allowing for impeccable Australian produce to do the heavy lifting.

Southern Tasmanian squid or a backstrap of lamb sourced from Gundagai are both great mains to build your meal around. Or, take indecision out of the picture completely, and opt for the ‘Glass Banquet’ – one of the better value tasting menus you’ll find in the Sydney CBD. 

All of this culinary levelling up hasn’t come at the expense of Glass Brasserie’s wine list, which is still compiled – 20 years later – by Head Sommelier Mauro Bortolato. The Italian expat has been hard at work rounding out the restaurant’s new ‘by the glass’ offering, which champions local faves like Basket Press Shiraz alongside old world icons from France, Italy, and Hungary.

There aren’t too many restaurants in Sydney where one can drink vintage Pol Roger by the glass, and for that, Glass gets our stamp of approval. 

Opened: February 2025
Address: Level 2/488 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9265 6068
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (6:30 AM – 9:30 PM); Saturday – Sunday (6:30 AM – 10:30 PM)

---

Lottie, Redfern

Calculated to do for The EVE hotel what Brisbane’s Hellenika did for The Calile, Lottie is one of two openings from Liquid & Larder, incuring a flurry of reservations right now – in the newly opened Wunderlich Lane lifestyle precinct. 

A pool-adjacent rooftop haunt drenched in shades of cream and orange, the F&B program here is similarly keyed: offering up approachable takes on Mexican cuisine, complete with Southern Californian inspirations that mesh well with the vibe of the surrounding hotel. 

Following the much-publicised closure of Comedor, Alejandor Huerta joins Lottie in earnest as the restaurant’s new Head Chef. Dishes which have emerged as early frontrunners on his menu include sweetcorn leche de tigre and whole pork jowl cooked in a cola-infused mole sauce. 

On the drinks front, Liquid & Larder has tasked Ben Ingall, its group bars manager, with a drinks menu that leans heavily into agave spirits. Lovers of malt & grain haven’t been forgotten, however: for a riff on the whisky sour, with an appropriately Latin twist, try the Elote Elote.

Opened: January 2025
Address: Rooftop, The EVE Hotel, 8 Baptist Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Phone: (02) 9129 2433
Opening Hours: Monday – Tuesday (5 PM – late); Wednesday – Sunday (12 PM – late)

---

Bessie’s, Surry Hills

Evidently keen to consolidate their dominion over Albion Street, the trio behind Bar Copains – Morgan McGlone, Sal and Nathan Sasi – rang in 2025 by opening Bessie’s: their new big-table concept that, as the website tells you, is dedicated to “food,” “fire,” and “friends.” 

Playing in a now-familiar register for Sydneysiders (courtesy of eateries like Ester and Firedoor just down the road) the big picture at Bessie’s is all about big communal plates shared among friends.

The vast majority have been kissed, licked or otherwise exposed to flame, such as a huge coil of chorizo served with salsa mojo verde or peri peri chicken cooked in its own schmaltz. 

To complete your experience, we’d recommend a pre- or post-dinner beverage at Alma’s: incidentally, a fantastic spot to take a run at Bessie’s kitchen without committing to a full sit-down dinner.

Opened: January 2025
Address: 111-115 Albion Street Surry Hills NSW 2010
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday (5 PM – late); Thursday – Sunday (12 PM – late)

---

Letra House, Sydney CBD

The latest opening from the pasta and plonk maestros at Love Tilly Devine, Letra House actually sits in a moody subterranean hideaway beneath Palazzo Salato – the group’s sprawling take on the classic taverna.

Now notable for being the latest of late-night venues in Love Tilly’s portfolio, the specialty here is a frequently updated wine list, backed by small plates that lean into the cuisine of countries on the Iberian Peninsula.

Chefs Alex Major and Brandon Jones have devised a number of dishes that are a sheer joy to eat with a big glass of something grapey: with such highlights as spanner crab tortilla, red carid prawns on toast, the scorched rice dish known as soccarat, and various succulent cured meats.

To drink, Head Somm Julie Barbero-Lesage has crafted a list that includes more than 50 different bottles at any given time. Expect “obscure regions” and “lesser seen origins,” ranging from skin-contact Trebbiano to Xinomavro – a crunchy red wine varietal typical of Northern Greece.

Opened: December 2024
Address: (Rear) 344 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9044 2553
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday (4 PM – 1 AM); Thursday (4 PM –2 AM); Friday (12 PM – 2 AM); Saturday (4 PM – 2 AM)

---

Island Radio, Redfern

One of two new House Made Hospitality venues to open up inside Redfern’s buzzy Wunderlich Lane precinct, Island Radio “merges Southeast Asian street eats with a distinctly Sydney attitude.”

In plain English, this energetic eatery – awash in neon pops of teal, orange and yellow – is split between two spaces: an “eating house” and quicker, more laidback noodle bar.

True to its name, live music programming is an integral part of Island Radio’s overall experience, with selectors on deck Thursday through Saturday, spinning an appropriately groovy selection of disco and reggae.

Over on socials, bites that we’re seeing ordered in noteworthy quantities include the sate padang and fried rice with shaved calamari. More power to you if you’re feeding a posse, as one of the two 12-seater dining rooms upstairs comes with its own karaoke lounge.

Opened: November 2024
Address: Cnr Baptist & Cleveland Streets, Redfern NSW 2016
Phone: (02) 9072 9304
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday (5 PM – late); Saturday – Sunday (12 PM – late)

---

The International, Sydney CBD

Another “multi-dimensional” venue from Point Group – the same restaurateurs behind Shell House – The International is set across three distinct venues, including a wine bar, rooftop and grillroom (pictured above) inside Sydney’s heritage-listed MLC Centre.

The venue’s overarching culinary program is being overseen by Joel Bickford, whose focus for this project appears to be food and beverages that are “fun,” “delicious,” and of “exceptional quality.”

Opening just in time for all your EOY power lunches, diners should expect an extensive array of wood-grilled proteins and playful riffs on old-school seafood starters – perfect for nibbling at alongside one of the venue’s ‘Freezer Bar’ cocktails. To our mind, best enjoyed at the grill’s four-abreast custom bar top.

Opened: November 2024
Address: 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9241 6000
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday (12 noon – late);

---

Neptune’s Grotto, Sydney CBD

Another moody, vaguely funkadelic Italian eatery from the trio behind Pellegrino 2000, Neptune’s Grotto has been on the radar of Sydney diners since it was announced earlier this year. Now, ahead of the holiday season, it emerges on Loftus Lane – below the space housing sibling eatery and Manhattan-esque bolthole Clam Bar.

Executive Chef Dan Pepperell is once again plying his hip contemporary vision of Italian cucina: only this time, Pellegrino’s focus on classical Roman food has been swapped for the “quiet luxury of northern Italian cooking.”

Substantial pasta courses and a winking cocktail program (i.e. fun without being gimmicky) are the main attractions: both of which night owls will be well-placed to take advantage of on weekends, when the kitchen fires until late.

Opened: November 2024
Address: Corner of Young St & Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9167 6667
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday (12 noon – 11 PM); Friday – Saturday (12 noon – 12 AM)

---

Clarence and V, Sydney CBD

Our personal polygraph for separating those who love food (from those who simply chase ‘the vibe’), Clarence and V is an outwardly modest “canteen & wine bar,” which opened quietly at the end of 2024. For selfish reasons, we kind of hope it stays that way. 

Proprietors Stella and Vito cook whatever takes their fancy: wheeling between the cuisine of Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and ‘Straya. All, might we add, with delicious results.

Home to what’s surely the Sydney CBD’s most satisfying roast beef salad as well as other superb one-plate meals like chicken and orzo seasoned with kefalograviera, this is one worth trekking to during lunchtimes in the city.

Opened: October 2024
Address: 191 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9316 5370
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (7 AM – 8:30 PM)

---

Pelicano, Potts Point

Built on the same space that was once home to the (in)famous Hugos, Pelicano is the latest addition to a surfeit of F&B venues looking to inject momentum back into Eastern Sydney’s nightlife.

Pitched by Andrew Becher as a direct continuation of Pelicano Double Bay (which closed its doors in 2019), this club-restaurant hybrid has been envisioned by the Armorica restaurateur and his team as a destination where guests can “come in early and stay all night.”

In that spirit, Pelicano boasts an elevated and partially out-of-doors dining room where vibrant Mediterranean share plates are the order of the day. Start with a few platefuls of charred octopus and fritto misto, then get a flatbread to share.

After dinner, head downstairs to the venue’s belowground club space, which plays host to bottle service and different live musical talent every weekend.

Opened: October 2024
Address: Level 1/33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point, Sydney NSW 2011
Phone: 0422 119 429
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday (5 PM – late)

---

Prefecture 48*, Sydney CBD

I know what you’re thinking: “Why the asterisk?” Well, it’s because this list entrant isn’t so much a restaurant as it is an entire precinct comprised of six unique venues (four diners, a patisserie, and a whisky bar).

In a nationwide first, Azabu Group has enlisted a collection of internationally-renowned culinary artists to boldly plant its flag with a three-level establishment. One that ambitiously covers all 47 prefectures of Japan – it bills itself as “the 48th” – within a gorgeously appointed, heritage-listed Victorian warehouse.

Each of Prefecture 48’s vital organs showcases its own distinct character, drawing inspiration from the ‘Floating World’ or Ukiyoe – “a theme that epitomises the refined lifestyle of Japan during the Edo period.” They are as follows:

• Garaku (Kaiseki) 
  Led by ex-Tetsuya Executive Head Chef Derek Kim
  “The headliner for P48 – an exquisite theatrical Kaiseki dining experience, with every dish an artisanal interpretation of the four seasons for a truly enchanting moment.”
• Ibushi (Robata)
  Led by Executive Chef Takashi Yamamoto & Head Chef Chris Kim
  “The vibrant and energetic robata within the precinct, paying homage to the lively Tokyo street and social gathering spots after dark.”
• Omakase
  Led by Omakase sushi master Akira Horikawa (Ginza Kyubey) & Tomoyuki Matsuya (Kame House)
  “A luxurious and most exclusive intimate eight-seated venue, truly heroing the exceptional cuisine for ‘one bite magic.’ This venue will also have a rotation of celebrated guest chefs.”

• FIVE 
  Led by Head Chef Hiroshi Manaka, ex-Charlotte Bar & Bistro (Azabu Group)
  “Modern European reimagined with Japanese finesse, experienced the five core elements expressed in the menu: taste, colour, cooking, moderation, and senses.”
• Whisky Thief (Whisky Bar)
  Co-curated by Azabu Group and The Maybe Group
  “Exclusive bar captivates both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike, along with creative cocktails to impress every palate. With bottles hidden in secret spots and bathroom doors, a (secret) solid gold skateboard, it’s more than just a bar.”
• Dear Florence (Patisserie)
  Led by Executive Pastry Chef Aoife Noonan
  “Named after the Founder’s daughter, this patisserie is more than just delectable creations of cakes, chocolates, and souvenirs, but a connection between father and daughter.”

Having recently experienced all of the above at the invitation of Azabu Group, BH can personally confirm Prefecture 48 honours its lofty promise by delivering an “orchestra” of culinary delights.

Opened: October 2024
Address: 230 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8552 2888
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (5 PM – 11 PM); Friday – Saturday (5 PM – 12 AM)

---

AMA, Surry Hills

An affordable and independently run eatery that has been making waves on social media, Ama is a breath of fresh air in a Sydney neighbourhood where diners have grown accustomed to forking out $100+ for relatively pedestrian fare.

Founded by siblings Rowena and Kate Chansiri, Ama is a tribute (in name, especially) to the duo’s grandmother, whose family recipe for Thai-Chinese beef noodle soup became the catalyst for this exciting new eatery. And what soup! Humming with deep flavours of beef stock, palm sugar, and the unmistakable acid-zap of black vinegar.

From Ama’s glass-clad frontage, diners will see a homely and unfussy interior. But, chances are, you won’t spy too many patrons who have managed to tear their gaze away from the assortment of comforting noodles, congees and rice dishes in front of them.

Naturally, the aforementioned beef noodle soup should be your first port of call, but feedback on the congee and veggie stew with pork belly has been similarly glowing.

Opened: September 2024
Address: 47 Cooper St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 0478 939 915
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday (8 AM – 4 PM); Friday – Sunday (8 AM – 7 PM)

---

Song Bird, Double Bay

For a long time, serious devotees of Cantonese cuisine, who happened to reside in the Eastern Suburbs, would have had to hoof it into the Sydney CBDs for a taste of the classic large-format seafood and siu mei (roasted meat) dishes. The arrival of Song Bird, Neil Perry’s expansive three-floor eatery in Double Bay, theoretically puts an end to that era.

Likely aware of the immense culinary canon within which he’s working, Perry has wisely chosen to focus his attention mostly on Southern Chinese classics, with the occasional nostalgia trip into recipes inspired by the heyday of Australian-Chinese cooking. A handful of regional staples, like the tofu & crab casserole (reportedly inspired by a Shanghainese dish of similar style), also make an appearance.

Architect Neville Gruzman’s vitrine-like housing for Song Bird also showcases the three individually distinctive ways in which diners will experience the restaurant. Walk-ins and snacking excursions can be accommodated on the ground floor, Level One is akin to Perry’s nearby award-winner Margaret, while the second floor is most reminiscent of the Royal Palace Seafoods of the world – populated by leviathan, 10-seat tables best enjoyed over an afternoon of yum cha.

Opened: September 2024
Address: 24 Bay St, Double Bay NSW 2028
Phone: (02) 9871 9888
Opening Hours: Wednesday (6 PM – 11 PM); Thursday – Saturday (12 noon – 11 PM); Sunday (12 noon – 10 PM)

---

If you’ve enjoyed this round-up of the best new restaurants in Sydney, consider checking out these other locally based dining guides below:

• The 28 Best Italian Restaurants In Sydney
• The 18 Best Chinese Restaurants In Sydney
• The 27 Best Breakfasts In Sydney
• The 13 Best Dessert Places In Sydney