Best New Restaurants in Sydney 2024

Whilst we're still tasting our way through 2023's bumper year of openings, 2024 has seen a lot of exciting restaurant news. Double Bay's Bartiga already on the scene and we've heard rumours the year is only going to get more exciting. Stay tuned. For now, scroll on for the best new restaurants opening in Sydney. Trust us, they are absolutely worth a visit!

Attenzione! Food and Wine 

In what may be one of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings this year Attenzione! Food and Wine will be touching down in Redfern in late July, bringing with it the thickest pasta you ever did see.

Brought to us by Felix Colman (part owner and operator of Ragazzi and Fabbrica), Toby Davis (ex-Yellow restaurant manager), Toby Stansfield (Ex Lola’s, The Old Fitz and Fabbrica) and Dexter Kim (freelance photographer and videographer ex-Buffet Digital) - the cast is A-class.

So, what can you expect? A Euro bistro/wine bar serving up simple, and delicious fare paired with a worldly wine list and a neighbourhood feel. Perfecto. 

180 Redfern Street, Redfern 

The Mona Social (Image Credits:  Damian Bennett, Matt Deavin Courtney Rafferty, Steven Woodburn)

The Mona Social

Introducing The Mona Social, the latest gem unveiled by The Boathouse Group atop the Mona Vale Golf Club, commanding breathtaking views of Mona Vale Beach. Having just opened its doors for lunch and dinner, its fusion of elegance and relaxation promises to redefine dining on the Northern Beaches. With an a la carte bistro offering reinvented classics and a casual bar with sports viewing areas, pool tables, and an in-house golf simulator, there's something for everyone here. 

Described by CEO Antony Jones as "Boathouse meets country club," emphasising its inviting ambiance with warm timber tones and lush greenery. Headed by culinary virtuosos Mark LaBrooy and Cameron Johnston, the menu celebrates bistro staples with a contemporary twist. Highlights include the venison tartare with a zesty kick of horseradish, octopus, or a beef tongue skewer, chargrilled prawns and garlic and kombu mussels. For heartier options, the menu champions modern favourites, including red wine braised beef cheek served with Jerusalem artichoke chips, lamb rump, and crispy skin chicken. 

The bar offers sharp bites like the Mona Social Club sandwich, anchovy crumpets, and eel and pork terrine, as well as vibrant cocktails perfect for long lunches. Focusing on emerging Australian winemakers and offering a curated selection of Scottish whiskeys, The Mona Social is a must-visit. 

Level 1/3 Golf Avenue, Mona Vale

FIOR

Our friends in the Sutherland Shire have just hit the jackpot with the opening of modern Aussie/Italian eatery FIOR. From the same good people behind Jane and Arthur in Surry Hills, FIOR is a 120-seat venue that strikes the perfect balance between intimate and large-enough-for-a-group-dinner. Dishes are designed to be shared and the handmade pasta available in half or full serves. The menu has been curated with local produce in mind thanks to suppliers like Marrickville's LP's and Vanella. Cocktails are also on point with FIOR's twist on the classic Aperol an easy standout. We only take out Aperol infused with strawberry and guava now. The cherry on the cake? The roving gelato cart, of course. 

FIOR is open seven nights a week - rare for restaurants in this part of town. Swing by between 4pm and 5pm should you fancy one of the best happy hours in The Shire!

Sitchu Tip: The mafalde cavolo nero pesto with stracciatella and the barramundi in brown butter and capers are imminent return-worthy dishes. 

Shop 2, 752-756 Kingsway, Gymea 

Bar Lettera 

Nestled in the heart of North Sydney, Bar Lettera offers an escape from the city below. The menu artfully blends classic Italian flavours with innovative Australian influences, featuring standout dishes like the Milo Tiramisu—a delightful twist on a traditional dessert. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for a relaxing evening or a mid-morning brunch, Bar Lettera is your new spot! 

Level 5, 88 Walker Street, North Sydney 

Good Luck Restaurant Lounge 

The arrival of Good Luck Restaurant Lounge is the kind of exciting food news that we live for. Executive Chef of Totti's Bondi, Mike Eggert, and Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes, have been working on the concept for almost three years and have successfully captured the Avant Garde 1920s Tokyo vibes they were aiming for. 

The basement of the historic Burns Philip & Co building on Bridge Street is home to the new venture that's serving genre-bending cocktails and Asian-inspired bites. The inaugural menu highlights the restaurant's four-metre charcoal grill as well as herby, citrusy and spicy flavours. Menu highlights include fire-roasted prawns in tomato miso with chicken skin and cereal crunch and fish and prawn sausage with lime and cucumber. Adhering to no set genre of cuisine, Eggert teases "Think Totti’s but then add soy, dashi, vinegar with fresh herbs, citrus and chilli". 

11 Bridge Street, Sydney 

White Horse (Image Credit: Steven Woodburn) 

White Horse 

She's back. In a very big way. White Horse has just swung open its door after undergoing a complete overall and the offering is elite.

You can start booking the work Chrissie party too as the brand-new White Horse is replete with options from the downstairs restaurant to the public bar, garden terrace and array of intimate function rooms above. 

Downstairs you can expect soft neutral tones, reclaimed French oak tables, sling leather seats and textured walls. As for food, it's luxe for less. Think Aussie ingredients with a French twist. Creamed warrigal greens, a beetroot mille-feuille with muntries and native thyme and veal tongue French toast are all set to debut. The same theme can be found woven throughout the deceptively simple yet incredibly delicious cocktail menu. A 100-strong wine list rounds out the offering for the oenophiles. 

Head upstairs and you'll find a public bar menu with a focus on snacks and cocktails inspired by fruity flavours. Whichever nook you choose to nestle, you can expect relaxed, quality and affordable - the motto for this new venture. 

381 Crown Street, Surry Hills 

Morena (Image Credits: Ariana Leggerio)

Morena

Nestled in the heart of Sydney's CBD within the iconic GPO building at No. 1 Martin Place, Morena is the newest culinary venture from the Renascence Group, renowned for its acclaimed eateries like Farmer's Daughters and Victoria by Farmer's Daughters in Melbourne.

This sprawling 200-seat restaurant is dedicated to showcasing the vibrant flavours from Executive Chef, Alejandro Saravia's  native Peru, along with offerings from Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil. The menu champions locally sourced ingredients working closely with farmers, suppliers and producers whilst also sourcing authentic ingredients from across Latin America. 

Sitchu Tip: Don't miss the ceviche with ginger, shallots, leche de tigre, yuyos and tortitas de choclo prepared fresh at your table. And for a main the Fore quarter Kaloola suckling pig, with jus and mojo is a standout.

No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney

Bar Infinita (Image Credits: Chad Konik) 

Bar Infinita 

People of Gordon and surrounds, rejoice! Bar Infinita has just opened its doors and authentic Italian bites are yours for the taking. Chef Francesco Iervolino (ex Firedoor & Ormeggio) is the man behind the menu which features handmade pastas, antipasti, artisan cheeses and steak. Cocktails also take pride of place with house made limoncello, an Amalfi sour with amaretto and a wine list handpicked by Paski owner Giorgio de Maria. 

10 St Johns Avenue, Gordon 

Izgara 

Popular Potts Point restaurant Izgara has just relocated to the city and the refreshed menu is an absolute joy. A relaxed energy means Izgara is the perfect spot for any occasion with share-style plates the order of the day.  The restaurant centres around the Ocakbasi grill, a popular method in Istanbul, which produces the likes of kebab, grilled prawns and lamb kofte. With 250 local and international wines on the menu and cocktails boasting oriental twists, Izgara also makes for the perfect spot to wind down and snack after a long day in the city. 

Sitchu Tip: The cauliflower with ras el hanout and halloumi with honey, walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes and currants are two dishes not to be missed! 

215 Clarence Street, Sydney 

Casa Esquina (Image Credit: Steve Woodburn) 

Casa Esquina

Taking over the iconic corner spot on Elliot Street, Balmain (formerly home to L'Unico and Efendy), Casa Esquina is bringing a new vibrancy to Balmain with its chic fit-out and delicious Argentinian eats. From the team behind Tequila Mockingbird and Esteban, the menu showcases the vibrant flavours of Argentina, with a range of premium cuts cooked on the open flame parilla - complete with a chimichurri kit to mix up at your table. However, for the non-meat lovers, the extensive menu caters to a range of tastes, including sweet bread and prawn paella with wagyu fat chilli crunch; black garlic pasta with stracciatella and pecorino and kingfish tiradito, piquillo dressing, lime, jalapeño and shiso. 

Stop by on Tuesdays and Wednesdays where the BBQ spit will serve up Argentinian-sty;e street food - and Sundays for a custom parilla BBQ that will be firing up delicious feasts and injecting that infectious Argentian energy into Balmain.

79 Elliot Street, Balmain

MATKIM 

Intimate dining is thriving in Sydney and MATKIM, an 8-seat Korean omakase restaurant, is the latest addition to the scene. With an emphasis on storytelling, each dish at MATKIM is prepared in the open kitchen, right before diner's eyes. The menu features local ingredients as well as sought-after Korean imports and champions fire as a cooking method. In line with traditional omakase menus, the exact dishes will be decided on the day but you can look forward to the likes of yukhoe tangtangi (beef tartare with live octopus); abalone sotbap (abalone, abalone liver rice) and WA marron with a crab soybean (doenjang) foam. 

Shop CQT.07 180 George Street, Sydney 

The Joey (Image Credit: Alex Marks Photography) 

The Joey 

Location, location, location is being served by Sydney's newest dining destination The Joey. Ideally placed on the Pittwater, The Joey is set within the lovingly restored heritage Barrenjoey Boatshed. The experience is elevated from the get-go with large glass windows, lush gardens and an understated nautical colour palette. 

Multiple spaces allow for varied dining experiences from the relaxed 'The Jetty Bar' to the casual Garden Bar and the elegant Dining Room & Bar. As for eats, you can expect the freshest Australian seafood cooked up with premium seasonal accompaniments alongside a drinks list packed with Australian-made spirits. 

Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach 

Sydney Common 

Food cooked over woodfire is far superior to food cooked any other way. We'll hear no ifs, ands or buts! Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park has just welcomed Sydney Common, who share our belief in a fondness for woodfired feasts. 

Elevating classic and contemporary hotel dining, this new destination should be at the top of your 'to try' list whether you're booking a stay or not. Under Head Chef Jamie Robertson's (ex-Ester) guidance, Sydney Common's menu will be guided by seasonality and uniquely Australian ingredients. Chargrilled romano beans with paprika egg sauce and roasted buckwheat tea, Blackmore wagyu short scotch and Yamba King prawns are just a few of the delights you can look forward to. Five-star hotel luxury is exactly what you can expect from the wine and cocktail list, expertly curated by Head Sommelier Sebastian Brogren. 

Level 1, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney                           

Tanuki 

A very welcome addition from the team behind beloved Sydney institution Matteo, Tanuki is a Japanese Izakaya headed up by Chef Ken Wee Lee (ex-sushi e, Zuma and Toko). Seafood aficionados will be thrilled with the offering that ranges from a raw bar to fresh seafood display. 

Whilst the Japanese menu is as elevated as they come, don't expect any stuffy or fussy vibes. Tanuki offers the kind of carefree, late-night dining scene Sydney is earning a reputation for, as evidenced by the playful drink's menu. 

37 Bay Street, Double Bay 

Toei

Next time you find yourself meandering through Surry Hills, make your way into this cosy neighbourhood restaurant. Serving Asian fusion snacks and dishes of all sizes, you'll be thrilled with the impeccable presentation and delish flavour pairings at Toei. Think five-spice buttermilk fried quail, octopus in Korean chilli paste glaze and Sydney rock oysters with white kimchi mignonette. The sunny yellow interiors with warm wooden accents will have you feel cheery from the minute you arrive. A great spot to linger over a series of snacks and a main or two. 

Shop 1 & 2, 185 Campbell Street, Surry Hills 

Bartiga 

2024 has begun with a bang with the opening of Double Bay restaurant Bartiga. Head Chef Noor (ex Gordon Ramsay's Maze, Testuya's) will be bringing his Malaysian legacy to the kitchen as well as a love for seasonal and Australian suppliers. You can expect a twist on Southeast Asian cuisine with the likes of poached bug roll with red curry pesto, BBQ prawn tom yum spaghettini and scotch MB4 with Asian herb chimichurri. 

As for drinks, consider the offering equally exciting. Mixologist Vincent Valliere has curated a cocktail list with the same Southeast Asian flair as the menu, whilst the wine list will thrill with 80 options up for grabs. 

Corner of Short Street and Bay Street, Double Bay 

Looking for more of the best new restaurants in Sydney to road test? From edgy Chinese restaurants and festive Mexican eateries to group dining favourites and BYO gems, there are so many cool restaurants in Sydney to visit. Browse our extensive collection here.