The best new restaurants and bars in Sydney 2026

Bondi has welcomed a sexy new Spanish restaurant and bar inspired by Madrid’s electric underground scene. Called Besa, which comes from the Spanish word for kiss, this 65-seat venue is from the Esca Group, the team behind Sydney favourites Ito, Nour, Aalia and Joji. Come for vibrant tapas served in a lively, vibey dining room, with DJs spinning from Friday to Sunday. Executive chef Ibrahim Kasif (ex-Porteno, Bodega, Stanbuli, and currently leading the kitchens at Nour and Henrietta) and head chef Alan Kropman (ex-Aalia and Sean’s) are behind the oceanic, delicious dishes.

Sussex Street’s Medan Ciak has long been one of our favourite affordable CBD eats, and newcomer Temu Kangen is a hit from the get-go. The menu showcases flavours from all over Indo, portions are generous, and the nasi kuning – a tower of golden turmeric rice, eggs, sweet-punchy sambol, cucumber and rich beef rendang – is as good as they come. Short on time? You can get two hot dishes to go from $14.90.

Time Out tip: Order a side of the bakwan sayur – little fried vegetable fritters that come with a creamy, nutty satay sauce that gets an incredible lift from makrut lime leaves. 

If you need another reason to head to the south end of Newtown’s King Street, here’s one for you. South End, a beautiful, independently owned neighbourhood bistro, has opened down that way. It’s the creation of three mates and long-time hospo pros – Hussein Sarhan, the former head chef of Fred’s in Paddington, and Alex Tong, former sous chef of Ester, who are both in the kitchen, while Paul Guiney from A.P Bread & Wine and The Bentley Group runs the floor. The menu evolves, but you can count on bright, seasonal dishes, such as potato rosti with smoked mackerel rillettes; roast lamb with broad beans and artichoke; bouillabaisse with wild-caught fish and clams; and a ripper chocolate tart.

Hamsi Taverna, a waterfront Turkish restaurant by celebrated chef Somer Sivrioğlu (also Anason, Maydanoz), is now open at the new Sydney Fish Market. Found on the back right-hand corner – just look for the sunshine-yellow umbrellas – Hamsi serves up the flavours of the Mediterranean, with plenty of fresh seafood. Somer even pointed to a boat pulling up and told me that’s one of his suppliers. Menu highlights include whipped taramasalata with lemon oil and cured roe; OB Bakery rustic bread rolls with clarified butter and oregano; white anchovies pide with roasted cherry tomatoes and caramelised onion; Murray cod with charred scallion and lemon; Tasmanian lamb shoulder with pickled cabbage, labne and lavash; and dakos salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red shallots, feta and peksimet. Hot tip: chat to the sommelier about a Turkish vino.

A tropical Mexican oasis has opened in Manly by the Boathouse Group – and locals are frothing. Called Las Palmas, the vibrant new holiday-coded restaurant and bar is serving up fresh tacos, zesty Margaritas – and vibey tunes all day and night. If Playa del Carmen isn’t on the cards for the near future, a sunny afternoon spent at Las Palmas may be the next best thing.

A New York-style Italian restaurant by House Made Hospitality (also Apollonia, Grana, Island Radio) is now open in Redfern’s Wunderlick Lane – in the former home of Baptist Street Rec. Club. The menu, overseen by culinary director Stephen Seckold and executive chef Elliott Pinn, is anchored by fresh pasta, Milanese, and the ‘greatest hits’. Think pipe rigate alla vodka with chicken parmigiana; chicken, veal and pork Milanese; and fried lasagne bites. Don’t want to choose? Go for the $75 set menu. Plus, with DJs on Friday and Saturday nights and late-night eats served until 1am, there’s lots on offer.

If you haven’t yet checked out the new Sydney Fish Market, here’s another reason to visit. Celebrated Vietnamese-Australian chef, restaurateur and television presenter Luke Nguyen has opened a 300-seat Southeast Asian restaurant overlooking the shimmering water at Sydney’s new fish haven, in partnership with Doltone Hospitality Group. Called Lua, meaning “fire” in Vietnamese, the new restaurant is inspired by Nguyen’s heritage – he was born in Bangkok to Vietnamese parents before moving to Australia and growing up in Sydney’s Cabramatta area. Fresh, vibrant and full of flavour, seafood is a big focus of the menu, with dishes given added character thanks to an open hearth and charcoal fire pit.

Walking into The James, found on the ground floor of The Langham, feels like stepping into a beautifully whimsical British world. The dining room of the new 120-seat restaurant by SRG Hospitality – the team behind Aqua Dining, Akti, Sails Lavender Bay, The Nielsen, Noi, The Fenwick and more – is an impressive feast for the senses. Grandma-coded curtains, plush seating, 1940s-inspired artworks, soft golden lighting and mosaic tiles, all designed by Perry Drakopoulos, create an elegant, timeless space that deserves a spread in Architectural Digest. There’s even a custom family crest that appears across timber joinery, upholstery and menus. Fancy.

Found next door to award-winning fine diner Aalia in Martin Place, Aalia Wine Room is a chic and intimate wine bar featuring a 235-bottle wine list and 31 vinos by the glass, curated by sommelier Sarah O’Dwyer. Heading up the food menu is executive chef Paul Farag. Expect bold, vibrant Middle Eastern snacks, with highlights including basturma with pickled chilli and quail egg gilda; beef nayyeh, rhubarb and freekeh crisp; and pickled kokotxas with tamarind and aleppo. Designed by architect Matt Darwon, the 42-seat spot overlooks Harry Seidler’s original MLC architecture, and is a calming and central spot for a delicious wine and share-plate catch-up with friends.

Osteria Luna is a new underground Italian restaurant from the team behind The Charles – and there’s lots to like, starting with the fact that the full menu is available until 1am. The vibe is old-world Italian glamour, caprese is served tableside and complimentary frozen limoncello coupes flow throughout the day. Plus, come for lunch and try the hefty muffaletta loaded with cold cuts, cheese, artichokes and capers on Sicilian-style bread. If you come Monday to Friday for lunch from 12pm, you can get it for $25 with your choice of boozy drink.

Appizza is the hot new pizza joint that’s just landed in Darlinghurst, serving up cool vibes and huge New Haven-inspired slices. From the team behind AP Bakery and Cicerone, the pumping new spot is found in Taylor Square, the former home of Café Freda’s. And it’s a banger. Come for epic slices featuring a thin, crisp and charred base, topped with a mix of local Aussie and Sardinian tomatoes and other salty, yum bits. Our pick is the pepperoni pie and the classic tomato, pimped up with stracciatella, prosciutto and hot honey. Plus, come for cold beers, spicy Margs, ranch so you can double-dip your crusts and fior di latte soft serves.

Forget the golf club and come sign up to Claret Club. Found on Stanley Street in Darlinghurst, the charming new wine bar and restaurant is from Bridget Raffal, the owner of Marrickville’s beloved Where’s Nick, and Harry Hunter, formerly of Rockpool, the Bentley Group and Dinner by Heston – talk about a CV. Come for Euro-leaning eats and excellent drops plucked from their own cellars, including 30 vinos by the glass. Just don’t expect any cocktails. “Sydney has so many fantastic cocktail venues – we’re happy to leave those to the experts because if you try to be everything to everyone, you just dilute your offering,” says Raffal.

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach – the beautiful new beachfront restaurant spearheaded by legendary chef, TV star and cookbook author Rick Stein, alongside his Aussie wife Sarah Stein – is officially open. Always dreamt of tasting Stein’s world-famous seafood? Now you can. Called Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, the 224-seat restaurant boasts a cracking location within the new InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. And although Stein has NSW restaurants in Mollymook and Port Stephens, his new venue is his flagship Australian restaurant.

Pilu, a Sardinian fine diner overlooking the clear blue-green waves at Freshwater for more than 20 years, is one of Sydney’s best special-occasion restaurants. Now, owners Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini have opened a new waterfront restaurant called Flaminia – the couple’s first venture across the bridge. Except this time, it’s not overlooking the beach, but Sydney’s sparkling harbour. Located on level two of the Pullman Quay Grand, perched over Circular Quay with its constant ebb and flow of boats and ferries, is a fitting spot for Flaminia – named after the ship that brought the Pilu family from Italy to Sydney in 1959. Inspired by Italy’s charming port-side cities, the new light-filled restaurant champions fresh seafood with a view.

A 120-year-old, heritage-listed Rose Bay church that’s been dormant for ten years is now home to Aambra – a restaurant spotlighting the ancient cooking traditions of the Levant, a region in the Eastern Mediterranean that includes Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Egypt (and more). It’s been a project more than three years in the making by owner Cristian Gorgees (also behind Emu Hall Bar & Kitchen), who hopes to showcase lesser-known flavours to Sydneysiders while paying respects to the building’s heritage.

The team behind The Waratah, Cynthia Litster and Evan Stroeve, have opened their second Sydney venue – Sakura House. It’s a late-night izakaya, inspired by the pumping ones dotting the streets of Japan, but instead it’s found hidden in a basement on Elizabeth St. Stroeve, once awarded Australian Bartender of the Year, is behind the drinks menu, so expect them to be a few steps above average (and then some). First time? Go for the Sakura Sour, made with Haku vodka, lemon, local yuzu from NSW and VIC and finished with bubbles. The duo have brought on Cho Cho San’s former head chef, Nick Sherman, to lead the kitchen. And a 4am licence is currently in the works. You don’t need to ask us twice.

Hospo is a bloody hard game, which the Continental Deli team knows damn well, having been in the biz for years. They made the decision to close their plant-based diner Flora less than a year after opening, and in its place is Joe’s Tavern. There’s lots to like, starting with the fact that the New York-inspired tavern serves the classics done well: prawn cocktails, devilled eggs and really great burgers. Plus, it’s in good company, right next door to siblings Continental Deli, Mister Grotto and Osteria Mucca. And there’s a peanut butter and jelly ice-cream sandwich. See? Lots to like.

Epula is a grand new restaurant now open in Sydney’s heritage-listed GPO building in Martin Place. From the same team behind Tapavino, Epula's name comes from the Latin word for “feast”, with the menu bringing together flavours from Spain, France and Italy. Designed by award-winning interior architects Luchetti Krelle, the dining room is classy and elegant, all plush velvet seats, burgundy marble and rich hues. Need to impress someone’s socks off them? I’d be booking a lunch here.

The highly anticipated Sydney iteration of Melbourne restaurant Grill Americano is finally here. The glam, Venetian-style steakhouse is located within the former heritage-listed Qantas House building, now known as 1 Chifley Square. Expect signature Italian-style elegance, white-jacketed service, excellent steak (and that famous tiramisù served tableside).

A new Euro-style bistro from the Lox in a Box team has landed in Bondi. Heading up the kitchen is executive chef Isabelle Caulfield, whose CV includes Poly and Ester, as well as head chef Dan Andersen (ex-Shell House). Come for romantic, old-world vibes, European classics and fun cocktails, including the Bondi Blue – a bright blue riff on the Piña Colada. “We wanted to bring something familiar yet elevated to Bondi, somewhere you could walk in straight from the beach or book for a special occasion,” says founder Candy Berger. “It’s European in flavour, but it still feels like home.” 

A beautiful new taverna has opened in Sydney’s historic Rocks. The intimate 22-seat restaurant, called Jimmy’s Kitchen, is an ode to owner Chris Drivas’ late father, Jimmy, who he used to cook with from the age of seven growing up in Greece. The menu is overseen by 82-year-old chef Marko Taxidis, who also cooked with Jimmy in the late 1950s (how special is that?). Come for fresh lobster served with orzo cooked in a lobster and tomato bisque, slow-cooked lamb with garlic, lemon and herbs, and golden halloumi – and stay for the old-school hospitality.

Heading to see a show at STC’s Roslyn Packer Theatre? Before you do, check out Folio, a sexy new bar inspired by New York’s late-night cocktail haunts, supper clubs and speakeasies. Celebrated cocktail gun and bartender Charlie Ainsbury is behind the clever drinks menu, saying: “I love bars that gather a community, places that embrace the culture they are a part of, with great drinks to match and set it off. Folio is not just a bar you go to when you’re going to the theatre; it is a destination worth a stop on any night out. I love the idea of guests making friends across the tables, or squeezing just one more cocktail in before the bell.” One more drink before the bell? We’re there.

Delicious news for Western Sydney locals – now there’s even more reason not to head into the CBD for a big night out, with the opening of Magma by Dany Karam.The 140-seat restaurant, located inside the brand-new Novotel Sydney Cabramatta at Cabravale Club Resort, has been a project four years in the making and features a multimillion-dollar build. Fully owned and operated by chef and Western Sydney local Dany Karam, who was last seen taming the flames at Black Bar & Grill, Magma by Dany Karam specialises in premium meat and seafood which are dry-aged in the glass-fronted ‘Dany’s Butchery’ before being cooked on open flames.

North Sydney’s historic boozer, The Old Commodore Hotel, has reopened thanks to the team behind Freshie’s Harbord Hotel and Merewether’s Beach Hotel. The 169-year-old beauty has been given a big glow-up, featuring a fresh bar, dining area, sports bar and sunny terrace. If it’s been a while between beers, you know where to head.

A 1980s Italian-inspired diner and bar has opened with a bang on Bond Street in Sydney’s CBD – the first joint venture from the award-winning The Maybe Group and Table For, Accor’s new in-house food and beverage group. "Ten years on from opening Maybe Frank, we wanted to return to our roots with a true Italian experience," said Vince Lombardo, co-founder and director of The Maybe Group. "Bar Allora captures the energy, culture and connection at the heart of Italian hospitality – authentic flavours delivered with a joyful, modern twist. Every detail has been designed to feel vibrant, welcoming and unmistakably Italian." In the morning, drop by for hot espresso, bomboloni, paninis and ricotta cannoli. By day and night it’s snackable share plates and more substantial numbers, like the spaghettone with anchovy butter and lemon pangrattato and the Wagyu tagliata with rocket salsa verde – even better with an Allora Negroni or two.

Dinner and a show is looking pretty good, thanks to the opening of The Wharf Restaurant and Bar. Located at the end of the Sydney Theatre Company's Wharf 4/5 and boasting beautiful views of Sydney Harbour, the new restaurant has taken over the space where the bar was, offering theatre-goers more options for a pre-show feed. Menu highlights include globe artichoke with preserved lemon; chicken with charred cos, peas and nduja butter; and steak frites with Café de Paris butter. Choose from shared menus or à la carte – and there's also a bar space if you're after a quick snack and vino.

If you haven’t been to Paddington recently, you need to: 25hours Hotel The Olympia is now open on Oxford Street – complete with 109 rooms, a Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar, and the first international outpost of a beloved London restaurant. The Palomar brings the flavours and energy of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Levant to Sydney, with head chef Luke Davenport (ex-Franca) leading the kitchen, overseen by culinary director Mitch Orr (ex-Kiln). There’s a pistachio baklava ice-cream sandwich on the menu – enough said.

Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Next time you're heading out for lunch, hit up Sana, a new healthy fast-food shop in the CBD, joining its Eveleigh sibling. It’s by the owner of Blackwood Bondi and Cronulla and chef Joel Bennetts, who are on a mission to serve feel-good, Mediterranean-inspired eats. Think jazzed-up brekkie items, yum rolls and zesty bowls, including one with soft-boiled egg, broccoli rice, cavolo nero, dill labneh, pickled onion, feta and Calabrian chilli oil.

We’re frothing over the news that The Corner – café, delicatessen, providore, wine bar and dining room all in one – is now open in Palm Beach by the Boathouse Group. The sun-splashed coastal cottage is headed up by talented chef Sam Kane (ex-Bert’s), so expect excellent seasonal food with a side of coastal breeze. “Our vision is for The Corner to become a true local hub – somewhere people feel welcome to visit multiple times a day or week. It’s not just a café but a destination that blends community, convenience and quality,” says Kane. Need a spot to visit after your next surf, or when it’s vino o’clock? You know where to head.

Bondi’s welcomed a taste of Spain with the opening of Alzado, found upstairs at Hotel Ravesis. Think: beachfront views, holiday-like vibes, the flavours of Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastián, and golden sunsets – right in Bondi. On the menu: jamón croquetas, pan con tomate with a Cantabrian anchovy, fried calamari sangas with piparra mayo and salsa picante, and a fresh brothy seafood rice – all backed up with ice-cold vermouth.

Radio Taco, a 12-seat corner taqueria, has opened with a bang, bringing legit slow-cooked birria to Chippendale, and I’m salivating already. It’s only a few weeks old, but the place is pumping daily – so get down early (they open at 11am). The red-and-white eatery has been brought to life by three Mexican-born mates: chef Aldo Lara, restaurateur Pablo Galindo (Milpa Collective), and Héctor Vallés (Ola Lola Catering & Events). They specialise in all things birria – marinated, slow-cooked beef – served with tacos, quesatacos, loaded nachos, fries and a birria ramen bowl, alongside consommé to dip until your heart’s content. Wash it all down with a house-made aguas frescas, and then come back next week.

Le Frérot, the little brother to the swish Franca Brasserie, is now open in Potts Point. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, Le Frérot is inspired by Parisian café-bistros. Think baked-that-day boulangerie treats, spanner crab omelettes, mussels in white wine and kombu butter, and Black Angus hanger steak with bottomless fries – all served in a classy yet playful setting.

Melbourne’s award-winning Chinese restaurant Lee Ho Fook, by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Victor Liong, has opened in the heritage-listed Porter House in Sydney’s CBD. Liong grew up in Sydney but moved to Melbourne to open the original back in 2013. Come for regional Chinese classics served with a playful wink in a moody dining room rich with red accents and dark floors. More prawn toast, noodles and roast duck? Fook yeah.

Vin-Cenzo’s, an Italian restaurant by the team behind Time Out Sydney’s Best Wine Bar 2023 Bar Copains, and recent hot newcomers, the wood-fired diner Bessie’s and snack-and-drink haven Alma’s, is now open in the former home of Bar Vincent in Darlinghurst.Co-owner Nathan Sasi says: “We’re excited to introduce a new era for this influential site on Liverpool St. Vin-Cenzo’s has been a labour of love, and it's been fun reimagining the space as something a little more playful and late-night leaning, while still honouring its roots. The menu leans into classic Italian flavours, but with a few unexpected twists inspired by our recent travels in North America eating in some of the more influential restaurants that hero contemporary Italian menus."

Grandfather’s – a moody Chinese diner by the team behind Clam Bar, Pellegrino 2000 and Neptune’s Grotto – is now open in Angel Place. It’s the fifth restaurant in five years from the trio Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Michael Clift, with their latest venture inspired by Clift’s Chinese grandfather, who has inspired the chef through his love of food. “I think China has the most diverse and historic cuisine in the world. We consider it to be the mother of all cuisines,” says Clift. The menu features the flavours from Guangdong and Sichuan, with opening menu items including fragrant eggplant with sweet soy, garlic and chargrilled chilli; strange flavour cold-cut chicken with peanuts, sesame and red chilli oil; mouth-numbing prawns with preserved mustard stem and Sichuan peppercorn; and peking duck with mandarin pancakes with condiments.

Say yasou to Homer Rogue Taverna – Cronulla’s newest 100-seat Athenian restaurant and wine bar from local legends Harry and Mario Kapoulas (yep, the brothers behind HAM café). Fresh from a culinary journey through Athens (we’re sensing parallels to Homer’s The Odyssey), they’ve brought back the Greek capital’s culture and flavour to The Shire – minus the Mykonos clichés. Homer is gritty, grungy and gloriously unpolished – hence the ‘rogue’ in its name. The food? Made to share. Head chef Kirri Mouat (ex-Icebergs) and chef James Watson have eschewed fine-dining fare in favour of a menu full of Athenian attitude. There’s charcoal-roasted chicken souvla, spanakopita, hand-rolled dolmades, saganaki flatbreads and family recipes like Mum’s moussaka.

Elliott’s is now open in Balmain, having taken over the former home of Casa Esquina. By the team behind Esteban and TQM, Elliott’s is a modern Aussie restaurant with Italian and French flair. With a sunny, Palm Springs-inspired courtyard and vinyl DJs and live bands from Friday to Sunday, there’s now even more reason to swing on down.

When was the last time you went to the Centrepoint Tower? (I know it’s now called Sydney Tower – but let’s be honest, it will always be the CP.) Well, now you have a new reason to, as Sydney’s tallest restaurant – located within the iconic building – has been relaunched with one of Australia’s best chefs at the helm. Infinity by Mark Best is now here, welcoming guests with bold dishes, an all-Aussie wine list and the kinds of views that make you stop and breathe it all in. And yep – you bet it’s still revolving.

If you’re not following chef-owner-restaurateur-lobster-enthusiast ‘Big’ Sam Young on Instagram, what have you been doing? The co-owner of Castlecrag’s luxe bistro S’more – known for its top-quality produce, bougie offerings and truffle-on-everything energy – posts non-stop pictures of delicious food and private dinners at multi-million-dollar homes. He’s also prolific when it comes to being a hustler, which comes from his lived experience of moving to Australia from Hong Kong at 13 – only to have everything, including his passport and money, stolen days later. Being an immigrant and working hard has shaped his ethos. Now, he and partner Grace Chen have opened their second venue – a Chinese restaurant called Young’s Palace – dedicated to that journey. You’ll see the neon red lights in the excellent former home of Raja and Teddy on Kellett Street in Potts Point. And make sure you’re ready to eat. A lot.

If you thought Sydney had reached peak steak, think again. The award-winning team behind stalwarts Rockpool Bar & Grill, Spice Temple, The Cut Bar & Grill and The Collective has added a new carnivorous string to its bow: 24 York – a bold new CBD restaurant with only one main dish on the menu: steak frites. It comes beautifully grilled, alongside shoestring fries cooked in beef fat – adding another rich, savoury layer and crunch – plus your choice of sauce: peppercorn, chimichurri, umami butter or veal jus. It’ll set you back $48.

If the name ‘Gran Torino’ rings a bell, you might be thinking of the vintage car or the Clint Eastwood movie by the same name. But now, there’s another reason to remember it: Neil Perry’s latest restaurant. Taking over the former home of his Cantonese diner Song Bird in the heritage-listed Gaden House in Double Bay – which recently had its final flight less than a year after its shiny big opening – Gran Torino serves up Italian classics with a modern Australian spin and that unmistakable Perry polish. The elegant two-storey dining room has been reimagined by long-time collaborators, fashion designer Collette Dinnigan and food photographer Earl Carter. Think bold red accents and striking black-and-white photographs from the 1950s and ’60s that adorn the walls and add a touch of la dolce vita.

Can you feel it in the water? Big changes are happening at Manly Wharf. First up, Manly’s beloved-but-tired sunset haunt Wharf Bar transformed into Felons Manly – a pumping beer haven with 150+ more seats, a jazzed-up menu, lush plants and beers from Brisbane brewery Felons Brewing Co (we’d love to see a local tap one day!). Now, there’s another hot newcomer: The Bavarian poured its final stein some months ago, and the waterfront spot is now home to Felons Seafood – a 300-seat seafood restaurant with indoor–outdoor spaces, views over Manly Cove and a menu created by two former Rockpool guns. And it's really bloody good. Fresh seafood, views of the big blue and ice-cold beer – what more could one want?

Vineria Luisa is the latest addition to Enmore Road, taking over the former home of Bar Louise in the heritage-listed pink-and-purple Marie Louise Salon. Brought to you by the team behind Ormeggio, Postino Osteria and Cibaria, Vineria Luisa dishes up easy-breezy Italian fare with a focus on gin – making it a top spot for a pre- or post-Enmore Theatre bite and drink.

Martin Place keeps getting better and better with the arrival of Rovollo, a new family-run Italian go-to by the team behind Mille Vini and Rosie Campbell's, now open on the ground floor of Harry Seidler’s skyscraper. The 75-seat restaurant and wine bar, which offers indoor and alfresco seating, brings old-school hospitality, a standout, golden-hued dining room and the warmth of Italy’s lively eateries to the drinking and dining hub, joining nearby heavy-hitters Aalia, The International and Cabana Bar.

Two of Sydney’s most celebrated restaurants – Marrickville’s Baba’s Place and Stanmore’s Sixpenny – have teamed up to reopen Corner 75, a Hungarian restaurant that’s been serving home-style fare for more than 40 years in Randwick. Come for an excellent schnitty as big as the plate, matzo ball soup and a nostalgic, grandma-coded dining room that’s stood the test of time.

Rose Bay sure is a beauty, but let’s be honest, she can be a little sleepy. Good news then that Rasa House – a new, vibrant South and Southeast Asian wine bar and restaurant – has opened, bringing fire, spice and all things nice to the waterfront. The 60-seat Rasa – which means flavour, aroma and taste in Indonesian, and the essence of life in Hindi – is the first venture for screenwriter Vinay Matta. But good food runs in his blood: his parents founded Sydney go-tos The Spice Room and Jewel on the Bay, which is right next door to Rasa House.

LouLou Bistro is now open in Martin Place, bringing Parisian vibes and fine French fare to the Sydney CBD. Sibling to Milsons Point’s OG, LouLou Bistro, Boulangerie & Traiteur – as well as the recently opened baked-goods haven Petit LouLou, found right next door – the two-level LouLou Bistro is located above Martin Place Metro in the historic 1 Elizabeth Street building. With a $2 happy hour spanning $2 escargots and oysters and $13 mini Martinis, plus loaded steak frites baguettes for lunchtime, it’s fair to say LouLou Bistro has also opened with a bang.

Mister Grotto brings excellent seafood with a side of nautical charm to Newtown.The spirited, 30-seat diner is from Paisano & Daughters – the rocking team behind some of Sydney’s coolest (and most delicious) venues: Continental Deli, Humble, Bastardo, Bar Louise and Porteño. There’s no meat here; instead, you’ll find a celebration of the creatures of the sea, with the team sourcing their produce from local suppliers, such as New South Wales’ South Seas Tuna and Red Claw Seafoods – and premium, small-scale fishermen.

Barangaroo has welcomed a brand-new Italian restaurant to hit up for your next work lunch – or for a relaxed dinner. Called Gina, the 170-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant – inspired by Italy's waterfront trattorias – is by the same team behind Sydney’s Izgara and Malika Bakehouse. Come for house-made pastas, a spacious terrace and fun Italian cocktails created by celebrated bartender Grant Collins of Zephyr and Gin Lane. Sunset Spritz at Gina? We’re there.

Complimentary house-made focaccia and oil on arrival, a whole lotta snacks for $9.60 – including tuna tartare with Calabrian chilli, seaweed cracker and whipped avocado; and a charred lamb rib with baba ganoush, guindillas and pomegranate – plus seasonal mains for $39. There’s lots to like at new Sydney bar and restaurant Ette, found down a laneway in the CBD. Come for fast-paced but tasty work lunches, after-work hangouts and snack-and-vino sessions.

The spice has been turned up a notch in industrial-cool and brewery-heavy Brookvale with the opening of Bazaar & Bar – a neighbourhood Indian wine bar and restaurant by the team behind curry-and-beer house Sketch Manly. Owner Kabir Arora (ex-Salt Meats Cheese) aims to connect Northern Beaches locals with the tastes of his home – alongside excellent booze – served in a laid-back setting. “We’re not trying to reinvent Indian food – we’re showcasing it in a setting people might not expect. Think Indian flavours, local produce and a glass of great wine. It’s casual, warm and full of heart,” says Kabir. To achieve this, Arora has brought on Adwait Jagtap to lead the kitchen as head chef. He brings experience on the pans at Raja, Kolkata Social and Bathers’ Pavilion.

Osteria Mucca, a 50-seat Italian restaurant by the Continental Deli team, has opened on Newtown’s lively Australia Street, joining also-new siblings: sunshine-warm veg diner Flora and seafood party Mister Grotto. Meaning "cow" in Italian, the charming trattoria is housed in a former butcher shop and is serving up regional Italian classics and home-style recipes, including handmade pasta, beautiful charcuterie and quality cuts from its in-house butchery.

Last year, we brought you the news that the beloved rooftop café atop Sydney’s MCA transformed into a bold fine-diner called Canvas. Spearheaded by hospitality professionals The Big Group, Canvas’ concept is new to Sydney: instead of a fixed kitchen team and head chef, there will be seasonal residencies featuring fresh talent. Josh Raine, the former executive chef of Sydney’s now-closed icon Tetsuya’s, was the opening gun. (Raine has since gone on to open the excellent Surry Hills wine bar, 40Res.) Now, Scottish-born James Scott has taken over the reins from Raine, bringing a wealth of experience: he trained under British chef Michael Caines at the two-Michelin-star Gidleigh Park before moving to Sydney in 2013. He then worked with Martin Benn at the award-winning Sepia, before rising to head chef at waterfront LuMi Dining. Phew – talk about a strong CV.

Akti, a gorgeous new Greek restaurant by the family-owned-and-operated Sydney Restaurant Group – who are behind waterfront spots Aqua Dining, Ormeggio at The Spit, Sails, Ripples Chowder Bay and more – is now open on Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf. The harbourside diner, which has taken over the space previously occupied by seafood restaurant Manta, celebrates the Drakopoulos family’s heritage, serving up the flavours of Greece with a modern spin.

Warm up at Shabuway, Sydney’s first self-serve, all-you-can-eat Japanese hot pot buffet, now open on Dixon Street in Haymarket, in Arisun’s former home. From the team behind Butchers Buffet and Gyuniku, the 120-seat venue celebrates shabu-shabu – a Japanese-style hot pot where thin slices of meat and veggies are cooked in a delicious broth at the table. Here at Shabuway, diners get a yin-yang pot in the centre of the table, featuring two house-made broths – think chicken and ginseng, Japanese sukiyaki or spicy mala – so you can customise your experience. Build your hot pot with buttery Wagyu, chicken tenderloin, pork belly or brisket, finish with fresh, seasonal veggies and you’ve got yourself a cracking lunch or dinner.

Marrickville's new Greek grill house Olympic Meats is drawing more crowds than Putricia. This boils down to two simple reasons. For one, you can’t book – it’s walk-ins only, so the earlier you get down, the better. And the second? It’s really bloody good. And affordable, too. Nothing on the menu costs more than $21. (Sorry, that’s three reasons.) The dishes at Olympic Meats are inspired by those eaten in the Peloponnese in southern Greece, where chef-owner Timothy Cassimatis' family comes from. Everything’s made in-house, including the pillowy, hand-rolled sourdough pita. And if you’re only going to order one thing, make it the ridiculously good chicken gyros.

Oxford Street has a funky new tapas bar called Caness, joining nearby heavy-hitters Fred’s, 10 William St and Saint Peter in Paddington. The 60-seater restaurant is spearheaded by Erez Nahum and Juan Colmenares, the team behind Surry Hills’ much-loved Shaffa. Caness is serving up the flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean – think punchy spices, vibrant colours and beautiful ingredients.