Golden Century Seafood Restaurant may open in Parramatta Square

The appetite for dining out post-pandemic is intensifying and so are the rumours that one of Sydney’s most popular Chinese restaurants is planning to expand into Parramatta Square, which is undergoing a $3.2 billion redevelopment.

Golden Century Seafood restaurant in Sydney’s CBD. Picture: John Fotiadis

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Parramatta’s dining scene could soon be buzzing with tanks full of lobsters, with Sydney institution Golden Century Seafood Restaurant reportedly eyeing a site as part of the $3.2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment.

Sources say the Sussex St restaurant – famed for its tanks full of crustaceans, XO sauce and nocturnal hotspot since 1989 – could occupy a space at 6 and 8 Parramatta Square.

It is understood Golden Century is in negotiations with the square’s developers Walker Corporation, which has so far enticed restaurateurs including CicciaBella to open in Sydney’s second CBD.

Rachel Reyes and Anthony Phan at Golden Century. Picture: Brett Costello

Golden Century co-owner Billy Wong would only say he knew Walker Corporation and opportunities arose to expand on different sites but would not comment on Parramatta.

A Walker Corporation spokesman said it was premature to confirm Golden Century’s tenancy but noted that the company was involved in discussions with “major iconic restaurant operators about the exciting opportunities at Parramatta Square’s dining precinct’’.

“Walker will be in a position to confirm the next stage of retail operators in due course, but not before a transaction is finalised,’’ he said.

“With the final stage of the Parramatta Square dining precinct opening mid-2022, announcements on the retail will be made mid-2021.

Golden Century’s mud crab with ginger and shallot.

“Walker is constantly in discussion with retail operators about the exciting opportunities at Parramatta Square.’’

If the restaurant trades at 6 and 8 Parramatta Square, it will be a part of a 55-storey two-tower complex that will be Australia’s largest commercial building when it opens in October 2021.

Walker Corporation secured CicciaBella restaurateur Maurice Terzini to go west after forming a partnership with the man behind Icebergs and Otto when the latter opened as part of the Walker-backed Wooloomooloo Wharf development in 2004.

CicciaBella southern Italian restaurant is slated to open next month, along with Ruse Bar & Brasserie, Fishbowl, Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches and Threefold Pastry.

Betty’s Burgers was the first eatery to open at Parramatta Square’s underground link connecting the station to Parramatta Square, where 23,000 employees will work when the project is completed in 2023.

Golden Century’s other restaurants are The Century, Wine Bank and XOPP.