On September 11, an electrical fire broke out at Nomad, causing extensive damage to the ceiling and soundproofing at the Surry Hills restaurant and cellar door, and claiming hundreds of kilos of produce.
The eatery isn’t due to reopen its Foster Street digs until early 2020, but the Nomad team is living up to its name and making the best of a bad situation by moving down the street for a three-month stint while the repairs take place.
Nomad Up the Road will open on Friday, November 1, in the old Longrain site at 85 Commonwealth Street that recently housed Adelaide’s Restaurant Orana Sydney residency. Thankfully, most of the furniture and the distinctive CJ Hendry artwork were spared and will impart much of the original’s communal atmosphere in the 140-seat space, complete with kitchen counter seating, large group tables and a private dining area for 24 guests.
As for the food, there isn’t a wood-fired oven at the new site, so the menu will be different, but head chef Jacqui Challinor says the Mediterranean-inspired “ethos is still very much the same.” Smaller share plates will be the focus, though diehard fans will be pleased to hear signature hits like the housemade cannellini bean hummus, kingfish ceviche and duck mortadella won’t get lost in transit. And, thankfully, neither will the popular bottomless rosé Saturday lunches. Bottoms up.
Nomad Up the Road, 85 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills 2010. 02 9280 3395. nomadwine.com.au. Mon-Sat noon-3pm & 5.30pm-late.
Down to explore the rest of the neighbourhood? Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Surry Hills.