Inner west restaurants, pubs and clubs reopening after coronavirus restrictions lifted
Friday will see COVID-19 restrictions partially lifted with cafes and restaurants allowed a limited number of customers to eat and drink in the venues. FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK IN THE INNER WEST.
Inner West
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After weeks of hibernation as Sydneysiders waited out restrictions imposed to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Premier has announced from Friday there will be a lifting of restrictions.
The Inner West Courier has been chasing what will reopen when the first round of coronavirus restrictions are lifted, paving the way for people to dine at some of their favourite pubs, restaurants and cafes once again.
Although many businesses across the inner west are choosing to wait until regulations are relaxed further before allowing customers to stay for a meal or drink, some will open their doors tomorrow.
Popular burger joint BL Burgers in Newtown has announced it will be welcoming limited diners from Friday, however, its spiritual home Bar Luca in The Rocks will not be reopening just yet.
Balmain favourite Gigi’s will also allow customers to dine in on its famous pizzas from 5pm tomorrow.
“We will be following the new regulations and only have limited seats,” management said on Facebook.
Nearby New York-style eatery Contessa Balmain will reopen on a first-come-first-served basis, serving up pasta, pizza and breakfast.
Monte, Leichhardt’s modern Australian cuisine specialists, will also open to 10 guests on Friday evening offering a set three-course menu.
Charcoal chicken gods Frango in Petersham is still only doing takeaway and delivery having just reopened for business after hiatus on Tuesday.
Whacky and wonderful Newtown restaurant Thai Pothong will also welcome diners from lunchtime tomorrow across four booking periods.
Haberfield’s La Disfida on Italian hub Ramsay St will open on Friday too, but won’t be taking bookings.
Fellow Italian spot La Favola on King St, Newtown will start taking bookings from 5pm on Friday.
Owner Fabio Stefanelli promised to offer service as usual with added musical entertainment but suggested customers call ahead to prevent people waiting on the street.
“It’s not to make money (the reopening), it’s to make people feel like it’s a new step,” Mr Stefanelli said.
Down on Enmore Rd fine diner Hartsyard has set a date of June 3, saying it would use the next few weeks to ensure “everything is in place” for a safe return to trade.
Japanese breakfast and lunch Kurumac on Addison Rd, Marrickville will open on Friday, with management saying they are “super excited to have you back to enjoy our space”.
So too will Dulwich Hill’s The Sausage Factory, which will open its bar from tomorrow afternoon but is keeping its beloved gourmet snags on the takeaway menu for now.
Fellow Dulwich Hill favourite Sideways Deli Cafe will split itself in two to open inside and outdoor seating – but socially distance diners from its takeaway operations next door.
However, several of the inner west’s big name pubs won’t be allowing diners in just yet, with concerns that capping customers to 10 patrons at a time won’t be enough to stay viable.
Solotel Group – which runs pubs including The Bank, Marlborough Hotel, The Courthouse, The Erko and Public House Petersham – has announced it will wait for restrictions to be lifted further but was exploring takeaway food options.
“We will not be opening any of our venues for dine-in with the restrictions at a maximum of 10 guests,” chief executive Justine Baker said.
“At the moment, our focus is on getting takeaway off the ground for a few more venues … watch this space.”
What’s open in the inner west
Cafes/restaurants
BL Burgers, Newtown
Gigi’s, Balmain
Contessa, Balmain
Monte, Leichhardt
Frango, Petersham (takeaway)
Thai Pothong, Newtown
La Disfida, Haberfield
La Favola, Newtown
Hartsyard, Newtown (from June 3)
Kurumac, Marrickville
The Sausage Factory, Dulwich Hill
Sideways Deli Cafe, Dulwich Hill
Are you opening on Friday? Let us know, email ben.james@news.com.au