Last year was massive for Sydney’s hospo scene, with excellent restaurants and bars popping up as fast as a WeTransfer link expires. Some of my fave openings of 2024 were the stunning Greek haven Olympus, flame-charged Firepop, neon-purple dungeon Pleasure Club, polished-as-hell diner The Grill, good-times-only Bat & Ball, seafood palace Saint Peter, and the Italian dinner party of your dreams, Neptune’s Grotto. Phew. Told you there was a bit on.
But now’s not the time to look in the rearview mirror. It’s time to get excited about what’s to come – food and drink-wise – because there are Big Things in store. Here are the 10 Sydney venues we’re most excited about opening.
Corner 75, TBC
In a collaboration of our dreams, Baba’s Place and Sixpenny are teaming up to breathe new life into Randwick’s Hungarian icon.
Bessie’s, Jan 16
Fire will be at the heart of the kitchen at this new diner from the legends behind nearby Bar Copains.
Alma’s, Jan 16
Sibling to Bessie’s and found under the same roof in Surry Hills, cocktail bar Alma’s will be shaking and pouring old-school classics.
Baptist Street Rec. Club, Jan 2025
An ode to ’80s and ’90s Australia, cocktail bar Baptist Street Rec. Club will be channeling nostalgia and good times in spades.
Golden Century, Jan 2025
Purveyors of excellent XO pippies, Golden Century is opening inside Crown Sydney, with its menu returning to its OG roots.
Lottie, summer 2025
Redfern will be scoring a sun-drenched Mexican rooftop restaurant in lush, poolside surroundings from the crew behind The Gidley and Alfie’s.
Bar Julius, Jan 2025
A Euro-style all-day bar and diner will be swinging open its doors inside Sydney’s new hotel, The Eve.
Cibaria Manly, summer 2025
Northern Beaches locals will froth that Alessandro Pavoni of A’Mare and Ormeggio is the chef behind Manly’s new beachfront restaurant at Manly Pacific.
Sana, Feb 2025
Blackwood Bondi and Cronulla’s owner is teaming up with chef Joel Bennetts to open a casual Mediterranean-inspired eatery in Eveleigh.
Eleven Barrack, Feb 4
The Bentley Restaurant Group will soon be welcoming guests to a grand, 100-seat restaurant in a heritage building in Sydney’s CBD.
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