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There’s a buzz to Martin Place that reminds you that Sydney is, in some ways, a serious city. Over the past few years, the precinct has had a wildly impressive glow-up, with venues like Aalia, The International and Rovollo turning what used to be a pretty soulless corner of the CBD into a genuine destination. Now, there’s a new, more affordable addition to the mix – with Bobby Chan's bringing Southeast Asian-inspired share plates and tropical drinks to 25 Martin Place. Open now beneath Cabana Bar, the 120-seat restaurant is bringing beach-club energy to the CBD – all bamboo and rattan interiors, holiday-mode drinks and a well-balanced late-night menu.
Leading the kitchen is executive chef Brad Sloane, who has drawn inspiration from a trip through Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore. After exploring regional cooking techniques and flavour combinations, Sloane has put together a share-style menu that isn’t defined by one country or dish. Expect a solid line-up of crowd-pleasers, everything from dumplings (our faves were the chicken wontons laced in crispy miso chilli oil – $25) to tempura eggplant ($20) and some seriously moreish Sesame Prawn Toast Bao buns ($25 for two).
The cocktail list follows the same playful pan-Asian approach, with a signature (delightfully lilac-toned) ‘Ube Colada’ ($25) made with ube cream liqueur, rum, coconut, lime and pineapple, alongside a ‘Thai Basil Gimlet’ ($24) and lemongrass-infused ‘Bangkok Calling’ ($24). There’s also a matcha Martini ($25), because it really is matcha’s moment. Our top pick from the drinks list was the ‘Saketini’ ($25) – a nicely savoury mix of sake, Roku gin, vermouth and pickled ginger.
One handy detail for CBD workers and city-dwellers in search of a late-night feed: while the venue stays open until late, the kitchen operates separate lunch and dinner sittings. You can drop in for lunch between noon and 3pm, or book in for dinner between 5pm and 9pm before sticking around for cocktails. The venue is open Tuesday to Saturday and closes on Sundays and Mondays.
You can check out the menu and book over here.
We were hosted at Bobby Chan’s, but our editorial listings are always honest.
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