Paperbark, the pointy-end plant-based eatery in Waterloo that raised the bar for Sydney’s vegan dining scene, has announced it will be closing the doors on Saturday, January 25.
It’s a surprising and unexpected decision given the critical acclaim co-owners Joe Pagliaro and Grace Watson have received in the year and a half they’ve been open. Snacks like the signature skewered portobello mushrooms on smoked macadamia cream with finger lime pearls and potato churros dusted in freeze-dried vinegar proved to be a hit with all comers, regardless of dietary preferences.
Thankfully, it won’t be too long before meat and dairy free meals return to this modern industrial space. The team’s perpetually packed Bondi pasta joint, Peppe’s, will be taking over the space on a pop-up basis as Peppe’s Osteria. Expect a slightly more expanded menu from head chef and Three Blue Ducks alum Joel Bennetts that will keep the focus on pasta (fingers crossed for that gnocchi!), and a similar list of low-intervention local and Italian wines.
While it certainly won’t be the same, pasta, cruelty-free and casual dining are things that never go out of style – and hey, if you’re an inner-city dweller, it’ll save you that dreaded journey on the 333.
Peppe’s Osteria is expected to open on February 1, 2020.
Down for more plant-based dining? Check out our picks for Sydney's best vegan restaurants.