The crew behind Bentley, Cirrus and Monopole has quietly lodged a development application to open a new restaurant in the Sydney CBD.

And the team hasn’t randomly pulled up to the kerb just anywhere in this great city. The intended target is bang in the middle of one of Sydney’s hottest areas of restaurant-opening action.

The prime corner site at 171 Clarence Street is a Buddy Franklin kick away from the glam new Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar, and just down the road from Palazzo Salato, the 120-seat restaurant the Love Tilly Group opens next month at 201 Clarence.

It’s also close to Merivale’s Hotel CBD and the four yet-to-be-developed buildings Justin Hemmes snapped up last year.

Bentley co-owner Brent Savage couldn’t be reached for comment on the project; he and business partner Nick Hildebrandt understandably have their hands full with the launch this week of Brasserie 1930, a collaboration with the newly opened Capella Sydney hotel.

But the application lodged with the City of Sydney for 171 Clarence Street tells plenty.

Listing Bentley Group as the client, it reveals that architectural firm Jasmax has teamed up with “interior design partner” Pascale Gomes-McNabb on a space that stretches along Clarence and King streets down to Skittle Lane.

With a working title of Bentley #5, it is believed to be a new concept rather than a relocation.

It will land in a part of midtown rejuvenated by new arrivals, including Sammy Jnr and The Charles.

Palazzo Salato is the next cab off the rank. Inspired by New York City’s Gramercy Tavern and Roman trattorias including Roscioli and Marzapane, it promises a 500-bottle wine list and a walk-in bar serving carbonara, cacio e pepe and pasta alla gricia alongside classic drinks.

The interior design, from Studio Vista’s Sarah Watt, includes a Louis Wayling mural behind the bar, and graphics by SCCO Studio’s Jarmaine Stojanovic.

A large bar and outdoor dining space are set to open underneath, with a Kent Street entrance, in late 2023.