From big-hitters on the hotel scene to exciting new hospitality hot spots, these are the places to add to your next Sydney itinerary.
WHERE TO STAY
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Kimpton Margot
From San Fran to Sydney, the five-star luxury hotel has just opened its doors in one of the city’s most exquisite Art Deco buildings. The corner site at number 339 Pitt Street has undergone a richly realised refurbishment to meld modern Australian style with characterful heritage, and the resulting accommodation is plush and harmonious for those looking for a sumptuous stay.
Ace Hotel
For its first address south of the equator, the renowned Ace Hotel has set up in quintessentially impeccable style — comfortable with just the right amount of cool. Located in Surry Hills, Ace Hotel Sydney is accepting bookings for its 264 rooms from the start of May and, in keeping with its global counterparts, will have a stellar hospitality offering including both ground-floor and rooftop restaurants and bars.
Aiden
For a central, compact yet utterly chic place to lay your head, look no further than Aiden — the newest accommodation addition to Darling Harbour. This boutique hotel features artful touches like original murals throughout, and thoughtfully crafted food and beverage offerings that reflect the freshness of Australia’s much-lauded cuisine.
WHERE TO EAT
Margaret
Double Bay has welcomed an elegant new restaurant helmed by Neil Perry, the founder of Sydney institution Rockpool and one of Australia’s most prominent chefs. Margaret’s menu comprises plenty of seafood (there’s even a specialist oyster fridge), and contemporary Australian flavours with both Mediterranean and Asian influences. Seek out this polished gem in the Eastern suburbs for a delicious lunch or evening meal.
Lola’s Level 1
From the veteran hospo team behind 10 William and Fratelli Paradiso comes a relaxed yet expertly realised bar and eatery with plenty to love. Located right next to Bondi Beach, Lola’s menu riffs off the flavours of Italy, Spain, Greece and the Mediterranean Coast; combined with its excellent cocktails and substantial wine list, we’re predicting a sunshine state of mind.
Ursula’s
Another acclaimed chef, Phil Wood has opened his first solo venture in Paddington. The menu invokes both nostalgia and innovation, and in the dining space, saturated tones of ochre (and blue upstairs) make the white linen tablecloths pop in what has become a neighbourhood favourite.
Soul Deli Cafe
Head to Surry Hills for Soul Deli Cafe’s well-rounded offering of daytime-skewed Korean fare. The owners are husband-and-wife team Daero Lee and Illa Kim, whose modern Korean restaurant Soul Dining is nearby. Their deli’s aim is to be both a dine-in spot and a destination for takeaway jars of kimchi, sauces, ceramics and more.
Lucky Kwong
Kylie Kwong’s new South Eveleigh eatery caters to the lunchtime crowd. A Cantonese-style cafeteria that only takes walk-ins, expect a warm, energetic vibe paired with moreish dishes like steamed prawn dumplings with Sichuan chilli sauce, pork Sung Choi Bao (lettuce cups) and fragrant steamed Hokkien noodles.
The Blue Door
At this 22-seat Surry Hills restaurant, you can be sure your meal has been prepared with utmost care and attention — from farm to plate. Chef-owner Dylan Cashman originally opened The Blue Door in the Gold Coast, where it garnered much praise, and has made sure it’s even better in its new iteration. It is hyper-focused on local producers, sustainability and ethical farming practices, as well as utterly delicious dishes.
Bistrot 916
Irreverent yet intelligent, this neo-French bistro is the place to go in Potts Point for rubbing shoulders with the cool crowd while dipping into some steak (or duck) frites. The dishes at Bistrot 916 are delicious and complex, while the intimate atmosphere will have you channelling your inner Parisian.
Kisuke
With just six seats, you’d do well to make a reservation at this Potts Point Japanese restaurant as soon as you book your flights, such is the demand. Helmed by chef Yusuke Morita, Kisuke just serves omakase-style — a sublime set menu through which he demonstrates his decades of experience, love and passion for Japanese cuisine.
MuMu
Australian hospitality behemoth Merivale needs no introduction, and its latest outing is a cheeky eatery that joins its multi-faceted Ivy Precinct on George Street. Slinging South-East-Asian-inspired street food and seriously sippable cocktails, MuMu is designed to play host to late night parties — make sure you’re wearing your dancing shoes.
