Wollongong and St George restaurants, pubs and clubs reopening after coronavirus restrictions lifted

It’s been a long wait but restaurants and bars across the Illawarra and Sutherland Shire are set to open their doors for groups of up to 10 from Friday. Find out where you can go out HERE.

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After almost eight weeks in lockdown, bars and restaurants across the Illawarra are opening their doors back up from tomorrow, allowing 10 people to come in and have a drink or a meal with their mates.

Owners of popular Wollongong bar Dagwood say they are stoked to “bring a bit of normality” back to the community, as they prepare to open their doors to small groups from midday tomorrow.

Co-owner Ben Abraham said the bar was already overwhelmed with bookings, after announcing they’d be running hour-and-a-half sittings to groups of up to 10 people from 12pm to 12am, Thursdays through Sundays.

“We are stoked to get back into it, it’s a reduced capacity but we are just keen to get back to serving people, chatting to people and getting good food and drink into to people’s mouth,” he said.

“We are completely overwhelmed with the response, were basically booked out this weekend and half of next week too …. People are really ready to come out and catch up with some friends in a controlled environment.”

Dagwood has implemented a number of COVID-19 safe measure to protect patrons, including strict social distancing rules, sanitation and full table service.

“We’ve got no paper menus, all menus are digital so you’ll be able look at menu on your phone so there’s less contact with the shared items,” Mr Abraham said.

While a capacity of 10 won’t bring a great deal of financial liability, Mr Abraham said he and co-owners Luke Symons and Scott Mileto were keen to get their staff, and loyal customers back through the doors.

“We are just so stoked to get back to work and serve some people,” he said.

“Our staff are keen to make drinks again, we’re keen to start the process of normality rolling back through.”

Check out the list of other bars and restaurants across the Illawarra and South Sydney opening back up to diners and drinks on Friday:

MOOMINN – Wollongong

Located on Crown Street Wollongong, the eclectic bar restaurant will reopen from Friday.

Bookings are essential so get in quick.

SOUTH SAILOR – Thirroul

The borthern suburbs seafood restaurant is opening its doors again from Friday, after operating as a takeaway for the past few weeks.

The restaurants will be offering a ‘private dining experience’ for 8-10 people.

For $99, diners will be greeted with a cocktail, a three-course meal and two hours of unlimited drinks. The best part? You can bring your own playlist.

They recommend booking early!

HIS BOY ELROY - Wollongong

COVID-19 has seen business boom for His Boy Elroy, who’ve had to employ extra staff and even open up a second kitchen to keep up with their overwhelming takeaway service.

But from tomorrow, doors to the Wollongong burger bar will open for groups of four to 10 people.

As expected, social distancing rules will apply. Book early to secure a seat.

CIAO CUCINA - Wollongong

Traditional Italian restaurant Ciao Cucina will also re-open its doors to diners on Friday.

Bookings are essential.

ZIGGY’S HOUSE OF NOMMS - Wollongong

If you’re in the mood for dumplings and teas you can head to Ziggy’s from Friday. Groups 10 and under. Bookings required.

BLACKWOOD PANTRY - Cronulla

In accordance to the NSW guidelines, Blackwood Pantry will be open from 7am to 3pm Fridays through Sundays.

Things to note: walk-ins only, no bookings, two adults per table, up to one-hour seatings.

CROYDON LANE – Cronulla

Croydon lane Tapas and Wine Bar has announced they too will be opening from Friday.

There will be two packages available to diners, a five course set menu with unlimited house beer and wine for $95 a person or a full degustation menu at $150 per head.

Grab a Group of 10 and get spoiled with your own private function or enjoy a date night in a safe environment.