The top 10 food openings for 2018
It's another busy year of food openings in the Harbour City. From tapas bars to wine bars and from Mexican to Japanese, here is a list of the top ten openings for 2018.
A1 Canteen
What?
An all-day eatery serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.
Where?
2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale
When?
Autumn 2018
Why?
When a 2-hatted chef like Clayton Wells (from Automata) decides to offer up a more casual approach to dining, it should be on everyone's radar.
Bang Bang Izakaya
What?
Ramen, curry, whisky and craft beers with a side of karaoke.
Where?
35 Tumbalong Boulevard, Haymarket
When?
May 2018
Why?
Kokubo Yuji has been recruited from the Nobu empire (and the Tokyo branch, no less) to lead the kitchen.
Bar Patron by Rockpool (pictured)
What?
A bar + restaurant collab between Patron and Rockpool, with Chitown L train vibes and views of the Harbour Bridge.
Where?
2 Phillip Street, Sydney
When?
Now open
Why?
How many other places can you get a good feed at Circular Quay after midnight (albeit Thursday, Friday and Saturday)? Throw in a DJ and a 3am closing time and you've basically hit the jackpot.
Bert's Brasserie
What?
European hotel meets American country club at the latest blockbuster Merivale restaurant.
Where?
The Newport, 2 Kalinya Street, Newport
When?
Now open
Why?
Bert's Brasserie received a 16/20 from Terry Durack at the Good Food Guide, making it the best-reviewed new restaurant of 2018 in Sydney.
Continental Deli Bar & Bistro
What?
A triple threat (bar | bistro | deli) in the heart of the city.
Where?
167 Phillip Street, Sydney
When?
Winter 2018
Why?
Charcuterie, cheese and tinned fish in the deli, punny cocktails (Mar-tinny, can-hattan, cosmopoli-tin) and a European inspired bistro menu, all in the heart of the city.
Edition Coffee Roasters
What?
Scandinavia meets Japan, in cafe form.
Where?
70 Hay Street, Haymarket
When?
May 2018
Why?
The original Edition Coffee Roasters is one of the best cafes in Sydney. The Haymarket location will benefit from more space (including outdoor seating) and a hot spot on Sydney's newest laneway, Steam Mill Lane.
Manly Greenhouse
What?
3-level temple to food + drank on the site of the old Shore Club.
Where?
36-38 South Steyne, Manly
When?
May 2018
Why?
Following the Barangaroo House model, Manly Greenhouse will feature a public bar on the ground floor, a restaurant on the first floor and a rooftop bar with views of the Pacific on the second floor.
Poly
What?
A new restaurant and wine bar on the ever more popular Commonwealth Street
Where?
80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
When?
June 2018
Why?
The team from 2-hatted Ester in Chippendale is branching out with Poly (Poly, Ester...geddit?!), a new restaurant and wine bar at the base of the new hyper-hipster Paramount House Hotel in Surry Hills.
Venetian Republic
What?
A new Italian waterfront restaurant serving Venetian food and (presumably) plenty of prosecco
Where?
7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks
When?
Late 2018
Why?
The team from Pendolino is branching out with a new Venetian-inspired restaurant and bar in a refurbished Campbells Stores building at The Rocks. The Venetian theme extends from the food to its waterfront location, albeit with views of the Sydney Opera House.
Unnamed tapas bar
What?
A San Sebastian-inspired tapas bar by Merivale
Where?
4 Palings Lane, Sydney
When?
Mid 2018
Why?
Lauren Murdoch (ex-Felix) has rejoined the Merivale empire and will lead the kitchen at what promises to be an exciting addition to the Palings Lane | Ash Street | Angel Place laneway network just off George Street.
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Honorable Mention
Biota
What?
A Sydney outpost by a Southern Highlands stalwart
Where?
1 Kensington Street, Sydney
When?
Mid 2018
Why?
The details haven't been nailed down in full just yet, but what we do know is James Viles is bringing Biota to Chippendale. The new restaurant will take over the old Silvereye space on the first floor at the Old Clare Hotel.