Sydney restaurants: Ten new eateries you may have missed

Sydney’s omicron outbreak put a damper on their opening, but these new eateries deserve your attention in 2022.

When Sydney’s second lockdown ended in October, multiple new restaurants were popping up weekly. Despite the lack of staff, the hospitality scene was buzzing.

Then, Omicron happened and one-in-five people cancelled their reservations over the holiday period.

Now, as Sydneysiders slowly adapt to the new way of life with the virus more prevalent, restaurants are looking forward to welcoming you back and serving you. These are some of the most talked about restaurant openings that you might have missed and are worth trying in 2022.

JANE, SURRY HILLS

The 70s inspired interiors at Jane.

This slick new diner by acclaimed chef Tristan Rosier is anything but plain. It’s dedicated to Rosier’s grandmother, Jane, and serves completely Australian food. It’s the more casual, ala carte sister partner to his degustation restaurant Arthur.

SHELL HOUSE DINING ROOM AND TERRACE, CBD

The famous Shell House in the CBD had a multi-level glow-up by Sydney hospitality group The Point. First was the ground floor bar The Menzies, next was the rooftop bar Sky Bar and Clocktower. Then came the pearl of the precinct, The Dining Room and Terrace. It’s a sky-high supper club where you can sample some of the finest food and wine in the city and enjoy never before seen views of the city.

LOULOU, MILSON’S POINT

Loulou at Milson’s Point. Picture: Steven Woodburn

It’s a French bistro, it’s a boulangerie and a traiteur (a French butcher/deli) and it’s all opened up at the one location in Milson’s Point. The bistro is open for lunch and dinner and makes use of the fresh produce made next door. While the croissants from the boulangerie are some of the best the city has to offer.

MUMU, CBD

The loud and fun MuMu in the Ivy Precinct.

Is there anything Merivale can’t do? MuMu is the new restaurant by Dan Hong his first big opening since Mr. Wongs. It was inspired by a whirlwind seven-day, five country trip around South East Asian sampling the best street food. The diner, next to Bar Totti’s, is bright, loud and fun.

LANA, THE ROCKS

This is the fourth venue in the historic Hinchcliff House, which was one of the last remaining wool stores in Sydney. Lana, which means wool in Italian, is a nod to the building’s heritage but the food is predominantly seafood-centric.

BAY NINE OMAKASE, THE ROCKS

Bay Nine Omakase at the Rocks. Picture: https://www.instagram.com/baynine_/

Omakase is a Japanese word that means meals selected by the chef, and you’re in safe hands at this new sushi restaurant. A beautiful heritage-listed warehouse space has been converted in to a omakase restaurant with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House. And the food is a treat --- as is sitting at the counter and watching the talent chefs turn fish into editable art.

LOLA’S LEVEL 1, BONDI BEACH

Lola's Level 1 at Bondi. Picture: www.instagram.com/lolaslevel1/

You’ve definitely seen this restaurant all over your socials, thanks to it’s insta worthy interiors and food. Lola’s Level I overlooks Bondi Beach and serves Spanish/Italian food that is fresh, tasty and a lot of fun. It’s run by hospitality icons Marco Ambrosino (of Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William St) and Manny Spinola (The Tea Room and Gunners Barracks) and has Argentinian-born chef Paola Pantano at the helm.

THE SAVOURY DINING, CAMPBELLTOWN AND STRATHFIELD

The Savoury Dining.

The Savoury Dining.

Australia’s first ever bottomless Vietnamese tapas venue opened another two delicious venues in Campbelltown and Strathfield. The venues combine authentic Vietnamese food with a killer cocktail list. The menu is over 40 dishes and all food is freshly made to order.

LA SALUT, REDFERN

La Salut in Redfern. Picture: Nikki To

The corner sports bar at the Norfolk Hotel on Cleveland St in Redfern has become a Catalan-inspired wine bar. The team behind Love Tilly Devine, Dear Sainte Éloise and Ragazzi serve Spanish wine served alongside Barcelona-style bar snacks.

Ploos restaurant in Circular Quay.

PLOOS, THE ROCKS

Many restaurants at the Rocks opened at the end of 2021, with this new Greek restaurant being one of the.

Alpha’s Peter Conistis aims to bring some regional Greek flare to Sydney.

Ploos, which translates to ‘sails’ in Greek, aims to showcase the cuisine of the islands in the South Aegean, with a focus on Crete and Cyprus.

Originally published as Sydney restaurants: Ten new eateries you may have missed