As the new year unfolds, Sydney’s food scene is gearing up to redefine culinary boundaries with a lineup of must-visit restaurants set to debut.
From Mediterranean-inspired havens in Surry Hills to Redfern’s eclectic rooftop retreats, whether you’re craving vibrant Middle Eastern salads or innovative Malaysian surf-and-turf by the water, these restaurants will soon have a seat waiting for you
For all the new Sydney spots we're hotly anticipating the opening of in 2025, read on.
1. Bessie’s and Alma’s (Surry Hills)
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Opening: Both spots are set to open Thursday 16 January 2025.
About: The buzz is building on Albion Street, where the old Chef’s Warehouse has undergone a stunning transformation. Stepping into its new chapter are cocktail bar Alma’s and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Bessie’s, the latest ventures from the powerhouse trio behind Bar Copains. With its lofty ceilings, exposed brickwork, and cozy wraparound leather booths, the space has been completely reimagined into a warm and inviting destination.
2. Sana (Eveleigh)
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Opening: Set to open in early February 2025.
About:Joel Bennetts of Bondi’s Fish Shop and Burger Park is teaming up with Daniel Sorridimi from café Blackwood to launch a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired salad bar in South Eveleigh. Think vibrant, sun-soaked flavours: spiced lamb mince reminiscent of a Lebanese food store, Korean-style pickled carrots, and Basmati rice infused with lemon and herbs.
3. Eleven Barrack (CBD)
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Opening: Set to open on 4 February 2025.
About: The Bentley Group is bringing its signature style to Sydney’s CBD with a luxe seafood and steak grill. Housed in a grand heritage building that once served as the country’s first Bank of Australia, it will seat 190 across an elegant dining room, bar, and alfresco area spilling onto Barrack Street. The menu will feature premium wood-fired steaks, fresh local seafood, and refined share plates, complemented by an extensive wine list curated by sommelier Nick Hildebrandt.
4. Bar Julius (Redfern)
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Opening: Set to open on on 28 January 2025.
About: Bar Julius, the latest concept from Liquid & Larder (the team behind Bistecca, The Gidley, The Rover, and Alfie’s), is set to debut on the ground floor of The Eve, Sydney’s highly anticipated new hotel. From breakfast through to dinner, the menu caters to every craving: think fluffy three-egg omelettes, stacked burgers, and steaks, alongnside classic brunch cocktails like Bloody Marys and Mimosas.
5. Baptist Street Rec Club (Redfern)
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Opening: Set to open on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
About: This vibrant cocktail and wine tavern on the corner of Baptist and Cleveland Streets in Redfern, above Island Radio is inspired by the quirky spirit of 1980s and 90s Australia, featuring over 750 pieces of authentic retro memorabilia, including album covers and iconic advertising. With a capacity of 120 patrons, it will offer a playful cocktail menu, ice-cold brews, and local wines, complemented by live bands and DJs on weekends. The bar will also include a semi-private space for groups called the Trophy Room.
6. Tam Jiak (Pyrmont)
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Opening: Scheduled to open in October 2025.
About: Chef and restaurateur Junda Khoo, renowned for his acclaimed Ho Jiak establishments, is set to launch Tam Jiak, a 180-seat waterfront restaurant in the redeveloped Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay. Tam Jiak will feature a diverse menu blending surf-and-turf offerings with Malaysian-Western grill house specialties, showcasing Khoo's innovative approach to traditional Malaysian cuisine. This venture marks Khoo's largest project to date and coincides with his expansion into Melbourne, where he plans to open a three-storey Malaysian dining venue in the CBD.
7. Cafe Cressida (Woollahra)
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Opening: Set to open in February 2025.
About: Chef Phil Wood, renowned for Ursula's in Paddington, is expanding his culinary footprint with Café Cressida, a new daytime venue located in Woollahra's charming Queens Court. The café will occupy the space formerly home to Bills. With its blush-pink rendered exterior, Café Cressida aims to offer a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, serving breakfast and lunch with Wood's signature touch. The menu is expected to feature elegant European-style dishes, showcasing Wood's culinary expertise in morning fare.
8. Lottie (Redfern)
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Opening: Set to open on Tuesday 28 January 2025.
About: Lottie is a contemporary Mexican restaurant and mezcaleria atop The Eve Hotel in Redfern. Adjacent to the hotel's rooftop pool, Lottie features a retractable roof, allowing for year-round dining amidst lush greenery and panoramic views of Surry Hills and Redfern. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Pip Pratt, showcases traditional Mexican flavours using fresh Australian produce, with dishes like pork jowl slow-cooked in Jarritos Mexican cola and Murray cod pibil baked in banana leaf. Complementing the cuisine is an extensive selection of agave spirits, including tequila and mezcal, alongside seasonal cocktails.
9. Khanom House (Chippendale)
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Opening: Set to open on Friday 7 February 2025.
About: The Baking Lists, a beloved market-based bakery helmed by self-taught baker Yeen Verasenee, is set to open its first permanent location at 15 Meagher Street, Chippendale – the former site of Ricos Tacos. Known for its inventive Thai-inspired pastries, the bakery will offer signature treats such as crème brûlée doughnuts and airy chiffon cakes, reflecting Verasenee's heritage. Complementing the sweet offerings, patrons can enjoy Marrickville-roasted Double Tap coffee.
