The best new restaurants in Sydney right now

Long time locals Adam and Kylie Micola have always dreamed of opening up a seafood restaurant right on Cronulla Beach. And when the perfect sight became available on the south end of Cronulla’s Esplanade – one that’s literally a shell’s throw from the sand – they knew they had to snap it up. Enter Bobby’s – a breezy, Mediterranean-leaning and seafood-championing café, restaurant and bar named after Micola’s dad, which is now open.

Rozelle has welcomed a neighbourhood French bistro called Chez Blue with an ex-Bistro Moncur head chef is at the helm. The 90-seater bistro and cocktail bar is owned by the Solotel group, who also oversee Sydney establishments the Clock and the Golden Sheaf, as well as Opera Bar, Aria, and Chiswick with chef Matt Moran. Here, the classics get a playful spin. Take a dish of peach and tomato. The fruit is paired with goat’s curd, fennel and almonds and plated to look like a peach melba dessert.

Kimchi, soju and Korean barbecue are some of the very best things about South Korea’s pulsating capital, Seoul (alongside K-beauty, its incredible food markets and karaoke). And you can get all that at 789 Korean BBQ, now open in Darling Square. The new Korean barbecue joint is by the same team behind 678 Korean BBQ in Haymarket and Eastwood, so you know they are experts in firing up the grill. We’ll have one bottle of soju and a coupla glasses, please.

Fifteen minutes – that’s how long it’s going to take from ordering to when a beautifully cooked sirloin from NSW’s Riverina region will be served at your table at Alfie’s, a new restaurant and bar by hospitality group Liquid and Larder, that's now open. Name ring a bell? Liquid and Larder are the legends behind some of Sydney’s and the world’s best steakhouses – Bistecca and the Gidley – as well as sepia-hued bar and restaurant, the Rover. So, the steak and drinks at Alfie’s are sure to be on-point. Speaking of drinks, the team are pouring what they are calling 'Sydney's coldest Martini'. Get that.

Hospitality guns and long-time mates Lachy Sturrock and Sam Smith have teamed up to open Folly’s Bar and Bistro, a smart-looking neighbourhood venue, now found on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Named after nearby Folly Point in Cammeray, the 130-seater has taken over the former site of Epoque Belgian Beer Cafe on Miller Street, and the beautiful original timber flooring and chequered tiles remain. With 18 vinos by the glass and a rocking $75 set menu, Folly’s Bar and Bistro may become your new midweek go-to.

Brendan King says his nanna never cooked while he was growing up, and instead always remembers his grandpa in the kitchen, preparing spiced tandoori wings and fiery pork vindaloo. Derrel’s – the new late-night Indian diner by Public Hospitality (also Maybe Sammy, El Primo Sanchez) and Baba’s Place Creative (a new hospo creative agency by the Baba’s team) – is named after King’s grandpa, and is a nostalgic ode to his food and the dishes that King loves to cook and eat himself. We'll have one chip butty with a side of butter chicken gravy, please.

Sydney has a lot of excellent Japanese restaurants. Ones where fresh produce is paramount, where dishes look like works of art and taste like the sea. Now, there’s another one to add to the mix, with the opening of Ito, a Japanese izakaya from the team who brought us elegant Middle Eastern restaurant Aalia and pastel-hued Nour, with an ex Nobu and Cho Cho San chef leading the charge.

Meaning “two brothers” in French, Deux Frères is the third Sydney venture by French restaurateurs Johan Giausseran and Vincent Ventura, joining Circular Quay’s Bouillon l'Entrecote and neighbourhood bistro Brasserie l'Entrecôte in Pymble. And while Deux Frères is French sounding, don’t go off the name – this new spot is a charming ode to the glorious pintxos bars dotted all over Basque Country. Gildas, patatas bravas and truffle jamón? Don't mind if we do.

Kurumba, a Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant and wine bar, is now open in Surry Hills. The family-owned eatery is by the team behind Dulwich Hill’s beloved café and restaurant the Fold, which sadly closed its doors earlier this year. Come for modern takes on Sri Lankan street food, inspired by head chef Augustus ‘Augi’ de Hoedt’s Sri Lankan and Dutch heritage. There's also a dedicated hopper bar where you can watch the traditional thin, bowl-shaped egg cups be made right in front of you, before topping them with curry and sambol. Delicious.

A 600-seat Cantonese restaurant with traditional yum cha, live seafood and late-night dining is now open in the former Golden Century digs. If you’ve been missing the legendary restaurant (we sure have), then we reckon the Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant may fill that dumpling-shaped hole in your heart. Come for Cantonese classics including lobster noodles with ginger and shallots; Peking duck with pancakes; Singapore chilli crab; and – yes – pippies in XO sauce.

George Street stalwart Jacksons on George has finally reopened with a fresh look and chef at the helm. Steven Sinclair – who’s worked at Bondi’s Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and Britain's three-Michelin starred restaurant, L’Enclume – is the executive chef of the multi-level venue. A casual bar is on the ground floor, but we're most excited about Bistro George – a flash European-inspired bistro. Expect dishes like ‘Clams Casino’ made with clams, bacon and bread crumbs; salmon gravlax with blinis and cultured cream; salt crusted ribeye Wagyu; and a signature ‘Jackson's Banoffee Sundae’ for dessert. At night the bistro will transform into a late-night live music bar.

A Ukrainian eatery serving home-style dishes with heart is now open in Sydney. Kyiv Social is by the formidable Plate it Forward hospitality group (also Colombo Social, Kabul Social, and Coyoacán Social), who are committed to creating equal opportunity across the table, one plate at a time. Spearheaded by the social enterprises’ founder Shaun Christie-David, Plate it Forward has so far employed more than 15 Ukrainians who have been displaced because of the war – including former doctors, lawyers and economists – to work at Kyiv Social, helping them find their place through connection, community and sharing their stories of home through food.

When you think of French food, what comes to mind? Rich and creamy sauces no doubt, as well as hearty stews and picture-perfect pastries. And while delicious, this isn’t what you can expect to find on the menu at new French restaurant and rooftop bar Martinez, which has just opened in Sydney. Instead, the team are focusing on the food and flavours found in the South of France and neighbouring idyllic Mediterranean coastlines. Think light, produce-driven dishes with lots of fresh seafood – perfect for summertime drinking and dining.

Holy guacamole: Ricos Tacos, the legit and incredibly good taco joint by chef Toby Wilson, has finally found its forever home at Redfern’s historic pub, the Norfolk. In July we heard that the cult Chippendale eatery was closing its doors – temporarily – until the team found the ideal location. Now the banging taqueria has taken over both levels of the old boozer. Expect to find everything you loved about the OG Ricos – from rotating tacos of the week to tacos al pastor, and the twice fried hash brown with chipotle salt and salsa roja – plus some exciting new additions. We say, come for tacos and tinnies in the beer garden, and stay for late night hang outs with your friends in the Club.

A chic and vibrant Indian restaurant is now open in Potts Point – and we reckon you should make a booking now. Raja is an ode to the colourful world of India and took us right back to our travels there circa 2013. Talented chef Ahana Dutt (ex Firedoor and Taj Lands End/the Westin in Mumbai) draws on her heritage in the menu, which features food with guts, soul and heart (plus heat.) We loved it.  

Filipino suckling pig masters Sydney Cebu Lechon have moved from their Newtown digs to a brand new spot in Blacktown. You can now find them at 4 Kerry Road – and be sure to use the back entrance. And while Sydney Cebu Lechon's address may have changed, everything you loved about this delicious, affordable eatery is still the same. Come for the signature charcoal roast pork, beef nilaga (beef soup), pork barbecue skewers, halo-halo (a shaved ice dessert) and more. Get cracking.

Potts Point has gained another newcomer with the opening of Caravin – led by the crew who brought us rocking Bar Suze. The 30-something seater wine bar and restaurant has taken over the former Dumpling and Beer site, and is neighbours to the red-hued and fun Bar Piccolo. Caravin is a gear shift from the Swedish and Scandinavian leaning Bar Suze, with owners Greg Bampton and Phil Stenvall taking inspiration from the rock and roll bars of Paris.

The idyllic harbourside suburb of McMahons Point has gained an exciting new addition: French-leaning restaurant Charlotte Bar and Bistro. The word “impressive” gets thrown around a lot, but the 120-seater space seriously is. Decked out with plush royal blue seating, herringbone flooring and antique lighting, the main dining room is charming, elegant and fit for Ms T Swift herself. Us? We’d be making a beeline for the Terrace, an outdoor space inspired by the French Riviera with lush greenery and lots of golden sunshine, armed with a French Martini, of course.

North Sydney has a new fiery bar and grill from the team behind the Charles. The 120-seat space is chic and polished, decked out with coastal colours, an impressive 700-bottle wine wall, and our personal highlight – statement lights that look like potato chips. But it’s the food that we’ll return for, which centres on wood-fired cooking. Think Sydney rock oysters topped with ’nduja, a guindilla pepper and drizzled with beef fat; whole rainbow trout with a dill vinaigrette; lamb shoulder with fennel and rhubarb and excellent steak, of course. Lunch meeting, anyone?

Cult ramen restaurant Gumshara has finally reopened – and in good news you won’t have to go far, as the new digs are still in Chinatown. It takes a whopping seven days to make the pork stock for the tonkotsu ramen and just three ingredients: water, miso and 120kg of pork bones. The result is a rich, soul-warming bowl of noodle soup with an incredible porky flavour and enough guts for two.

You can now get avant-garde Bengali cuisine in Surry Hills with the opening of Khanaa, the flash spot from the Ok Group spearheaded by top chef Opel Khan (also Métisse, Acqua E Farina and Pizza Boccone). Born in Bangladesh, Khan has drawn on his heritage and childhood memories to create the menu. Tinged with nostalgia and combined with Khan’s trademark experimental style, the elevated dishes look like works of art.

Bold, vibrant and fun Southeast Asian street food dishes and snacks are what you can expect to find on the menu at Sydney's newest eatery, Easy Tiger, says Indonesian-born head chef Andrianto ‘Andy’ Wirya (ex Queen Chow Manly, Mr Wong). “We want people to feel like they’re on a holiday in Southeast Asia." Tasty numbers on the opening menu include beef rendang party pies with Andy’s Sambal; babi guling buns with caramelised pork belly, sambal matah, steamed bun and shallot; and crispy corn “larb” with twice fried corn kernels, shallot, mint, lime and Thai basil. Forget going easy – we say run over to this hot new spot, Tiger.

A new French bistro is now open in Sydney’s CBD – and it looks pretty special. Located on the ground floor of QT Sydney in the famed Gowings building, and right next door to the glittering State Theatre, Parlour boasts the same stunning renaissance-inspired architecture as its neighbour. The dazzling neo-French bistro is fronted by renowned chef Sean Connolly of Gowings, and chef Kenny Radegonde from Felix. These two have their finger on the pulse when it comes to all things French and delicious fare.

Luxe, elegant and a little bit special, pearls are the ocean’s jewel. Pearl is also the name of the elevated Cantonese restaurant that’s now open in the CBD by the Lotus Dining Group (Lotus the Galeries, Lotus Barangaroo, Lotus Double Bay). And just like the ocean's shiny lustrous sphere, it's pretty special, too. Located in the Quay Quarter on Bridge and Young Streets, the 84-seat restaurant and bar will be serving modern takes on the cuisine from China’s Canton province, with influences from Hong Kong, where chef and director of culinary Cheung Shui Yip is from. Expect all the hits: dim sum, fresh seafood, succulent meat, and tasty rice and noodle plates.

Le Foote is an ambitious wine bar and Mediterranean restaurant housed in the former Phillip’s Foote restaurant in the Rocks. It's from the Swillhouse crew (Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge, Shady Pines and (RIP) Frankie's Pizza) and we reckon they've kicked it out of the park. Hot tip: if you don't have a booking, nab a seat in the bar, and be sure to order the fish sandwich.

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is known for its vibrant, warm colours, fresh pasta and a spritz of lemon (and the charming towns found along that coastline, of course). This is what you can expect to find at new neighbourhood trattoria Nico, now open in North Sydney’s Cammeray – just without the coastal views. Headed up by Italian-born chef Nicola Ronconi and his business partner Ewa Witkowska, Nico showcases takes on Italian classics, with inspiration drawn from the Amalfi Coast to Sardinia, Puglia, Lake Garda and Venice. Must-try: the signature lemon tiramisu.

Armorica is a drop-dead gorgeous and opulent Parisian brasserie with a lavish seafood tower and dedication to steak frites. Have a special birthday or celebration coming up? This is your spot.

Known as the South American barbecue, the parrilla grill is used throughout Argentina and Latin America to cook meat and vegetables, giving the produce a delicious smoky and charred flavour. At Zama, Bondi’s new red-hot restaurant found on the happening Bondi Road, the chefs cook over a custom-built parrilla grill using Argentinian charcoal – so the flavours are as close to the real deal as they come. Inspired by the vibey beachside bars in Tulum, Zama’s fit-out is warm, sexy and sleek, with rattan lighting, a bamboo clad roof and lush plants. (AKA prime date-night territory, if you ask us.) Head there while it’s hot.

Longshore, a coastal-inspired restaurant and wine bar, is now open in Chippendale. Helmed by hospitality legends and ex-Hartsyard owners, Jarrod Walsh and Dorothy Lee, Longshore serves up creative, sustainable, and importantly, truly delicious food. We can't stop thinking about the abalone party pies.

Expect Seoul food with a side of funk at Funda, a modern Korean restaurant that’s now open in Sydney by the Firestone team. Located on Pitt Street, Funda is a 120-seat venue with Y2K vibes serving remixes of traditional Korean food with modern European touches. There are two seriously good chefs at the helm, including executive chef Jung-su Chang, who's been the executive chef at South Korea’s two Michelin-starred restaurant Jungsik Seoul, where he has held the stars for four consecutive years. Chang will be cooking alongside head chef Chris Kim, who’s worked at award-winning Tetsuya’s and Sepia. So you can expect the food to be on-point.

Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift, and Andy Tyson know how to create a rocking venue with on-point flavours and a feel-good vibe – case in point: Pellegrino 2000 and Bistrot 916. Now, the trio have opened a New York-style steak house slinging retro classics. And it's a clam dunk.

The Balearic Islands are an idyllic archipelago in Spain known for their turquoise coves, charming coastal villages and incredible food. This is the vibe that new tapas wine bar Iberica is going. On the menu you’ll see classic Mediterranean flavours and tapas like Iberian ham with guindilla peppers and pickled vegetables; grilled octopus with smoked potato cream and paprika; and a traditional seafood paella with green salsa and charred lemon. Stroll on down on a balmy afternoon, order a bunch of plates and pretend you’re in Spain. Finish with churros and dulce de leche ice-cream (yum).

Say hola to Nu’u by Nativo, an authentic 60-seat Mexican taqueria and mezcal bar found in Glebe. Nu’u is the second Sydney venue for Michelin-trained chef Manuel Diaz (ex Bar Patrón, Santa Catarina and La Chevre d'Or in France) and partner Diana Farrera – it's the next addition to their colourful Pyrmont joint, Nativo. Tex Mex this ain’t. Nu’u by Nativo’s menu pays homage to the indigenous cultures and cuisines found across the charming and vibrant state of Oaxaca.

Walking into Bar Morris, you could just as easily grab yourself a glass of red and a cheese board, or even a room – such is the eclectic dual purpose of this little wine bar and restaurant in the lobby of Hotel Morris. Head chef Rosy Scatigna's (ex-Shell House) menu serves up more than a few suprises, like the ‘nduja madeleine, which is spiked with preserved lemon, stuffed with soft, fatty ribbons of guanciale and dusted with a smoked tomato powder.

The Love Tilly Group’s (Ragazzi, La Salut, Love, Tilly Devine and Dear Sainte Éloise) has opened a beautiful Italian trattoria serving up the pasta of your dreams. Must order: mafaldine with spanner crab, uni butter, chilli and sea blight.

Lola's Italian and Bar is by Marco Ambrosino, who is no stranger to excellent Italian food. In fact, he’s one of three OG founders of Potts Point stalwart Fratelli Paradiso, where he held the reins for more than two decades, as well as Sydney institution 10 William Street. Here, expect Italian classics with a side of sea breeze. Basically, the kind of delicious things you want to enjoy over a few glorious hours.

Brasserie 1930 is the latest venture from the Bentley Group (also Bentley Restaurant and Bar, Monopole, Yellow and Cirrus), found within new luxury hotel, Capella Sydney. Black-and-white marble tiles, huge, sunlit windows, high ceilings and gold touches evoke a sense of grandeur and old-world charm; a place you can step into and feel miles away, if only for a few hours.

The Sanderson is a 120-seat steak and seafood restaurant in the heritage-listed Beneficial House in Sydney’s CBD. We love the cosy booths, theatrical touches (fruity boozy shot to kick off your meal; choose your knife adventure, etc) and balanced, seasoned dishes.

Time Out tip: The Sanderson's sibling venue, Sydney’s former world's best cocktail bar Eau de Vie, is found in the basement below. We say kill two birds and come check out both.

It’s true that some of the best things in life start with the letter 'B'. For instance, bread and booze, both of which you can now find at 52 Reservoir Street with the opening of Beau, a slick new wine bar and restaurant with fresh seafood by the Nomad crew. This has date night written all over it. 

At Petermen (Josh and Julie Niland's fresh new spot), the chef and owner has again revolutionised the way we think about – and eat – seafood, allowing us to fall deeper in love with creatures of the sea. And there is nothing fishy about that. Go for the saltbush empanada, and the Murray cod scotch egg – and don't look back.

The Sydney Opera House has welcomed a brand new restaurant with the opening of Midden by Mark Olive. Olive (aka 'the Black Olive') is a legendary Indigenous chef and Bundjalung man with more than 30 years of experience, who's renowned for his hit TV shows, including The Outback Café. A celebration of his Indigenous heritage, Olive’s new Sydney restaurant will be joining the stellar line-up of Opera House bars and restaurants, including Bennelong, Opera Bar, House Canteen and the theatre bars. Dinner and a show, all under one glorious roof.

There are some restaurants you walk into and instantly feel good. Glittering Potts Point newcomer Bar Grazie, with its white tablecloths, wood-panelled walls, dimmed lighting and soulful sounds, is one of those places. Impressively, it’s legendary Sydney restauranter Barry McDonald’s 19th restaurant. So, is it his best? It could be pretty bloody close. Come and see for yourself (and order the ragu).

Expect French food with a Japanese twist at this intimate new CBD spot. It may sound unusual – but trust us, it works. Bistro Nido is by Devon Hospitality Group (also Devon Cafe, Dopa Donburi and Milk Bar and Tsukiyo).

Soot is not your average Korean barbecue or steakhouse. It sets a new standard for Korean fine dining in Sydney, with cuts you won’t find at any backstreet K-BBQ. Wagyu is the star of the show at Soot, and nothing on the menu is below MBS 7+ (that’s a pretty huge deal in terms of Wagyu beef grading and marble scoring).

Baharat is a cocktail bar and restaurant found in Barangaroo by the Efendy Group (also Anason and Maydanoz). Group executive chef Arman Uz has drawn on his Turkish heritage to create authentic street food plates like pides and lahmacun (flatbreads with toppings); slow-roasted lamb with flatbread and pickles; mujver (Turkish fritters) with zucchini, feta, haloumi and dill; babaganoush; falafel and more.

This new addition to Bondi’s beachside dining scene is so pretty that the interiors almost rival the spectacular views of Australia’s most famous stretch of sand. Almost. There’s a focus on grilled seafood, as well as meat and vegetables, and dishes are inspired by coastal regions from around the world. Think sambals from Indonesia and Sri Lanka, and spices from India. It’s all the type of stuff you’d love to devour by the ocean.

Yeah, we know this is a best new restaurants list, and Jimmy's has been around for awhile. But, Merivale's fast-paced Middle Eastern eatery relocated to a new location earlier this year, sporting fresh digs (admittedly, just down the road) and  menu items, like a roasted shoulder of lamb. Come with a group and get stuck in.

Restaurant and bar St Siandra brings year-round summer vibes to Mosman; so much so that the Mediterranean-inspired venue is situated on a white-sand private beach (yes, really), overlooking the turquoise waters of the Spit. Spend the afternoon watching yachts glide by with spritzes on tap, and eating seafood prepared by head chef Sam McCallum. How's that for la bella vita?