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Thursday, 26 December 2024

Sydney’s Best New Restaurants of 2024: Where to Dine this Summer

Morena Sydney, Martin Place

Sydney's culinary scene continues to evolve, attracting food lovers from around the globe with its ever-expanding range of innovative dining experiences. Whether you're craving bold East Asian flavours, an exclusive fine-dining experience, or a laid-back bite with friends, 2024 has brought an exciting crop of new eateries to the city. From Malaysian street food served market-style to a refined eight-seat Korean fine diner, these restaurants are setting the stage for Sydney’s next culinary evolution.

Here are some of the hottest new dining spots in Sydney this year:

Best Wine and Dine: King Clarence, CBD

Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, King Clarence offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, combining bold East Asian flavours with a drinks list to match the city’s finest. Co-founded by Khanh Nguyen (of Melbourne's Aru and Sunda fame) and the Bentley Group (owners of Brasserie 1930, Yellow, and Bentley Restaurant and Bar), this restaurant allows guests to enjoy everything from a $20 bowl of noodles paired with wine to indulgent lobster dishes accompanied by a multi-thousand-dollar Bordeaux. The industrial-style venue serves up creative and adventurous dishes that are sure to satisfy food connoisseurs and casual diners alike.

Signature Dish: Bao with Salmon Roe
Location: 191 Clarence Street, Sydney
Bookings: King Clarence

Best Pub Meal: The White Horse, Surry Hills

After a multi-million-dollar renovation, The White Horse is making waves in Surry Hills with its approachable yet refined menu. Under the direction of head chef Jun Hwang, awarded Gourmet Traveller’s Best New Talent, and executive chef Jed Gerrard, the restaurant serves up luxurious yet affordable dishes, from marbled kangaroo with black garlic to pork belly French toast with finger lime. With a wine list dedicated to organic and biodynamic producers, this is pub dining taken to the next level.

Signature Dish: Pork Belly French Toast with Finger Lime
Location: 381 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Bookings: The White Horse

Best Street Food: Mamak Street Food, Homebush

Bringing the vibrant street food culture of Malaysia to Sydney’s west, Mamak Street Food is a bustling, open-air market-style eatery that captures the essence of a Malaysian roadside food stall. With generous plates of rice and a selection of curries, stir-fries, and fried meats, it’s a great place to indulge in hearty, rich flavours. Don’t miss the wet char kuay teow or the interactive rojak salad, where you can build your own dish.

Signature Dish: Char Kuay Teow
Location: 11-17A Olympic Boulevard, Homebush
Bookings: Mamak Street Food

Best Location: Morena Sydney, CBD

Nestled within the historic GPO building at Martin Place, Morena Sydney offers a vibrant journey through the flavours of Latin America. From Spain to Peru, the menu—curated by chef Alejandro Saravia—features bold, aromatic dishes with an emphasis on high-quality ingredients. The restaurant boasts one of Australia’s largest collections of Latin American wines, making it a must-visit for wine lovers.

Signature Dish: Ceviche with Fresh Mango
Location: 1 Martin Place, Sydney
Bookings: Morena Sydney

Best Fine Dining: Matkim, CBD

For a truly exclusive dining experience, Matkim is Sydney’s newest eight-seat fine-diner that has foodies buzzing. Each night, guests are treated to an extraordinary 18-course meal inspired by the elements of the South Korean flag—air, water, earth, and fire. With the focus on reinterpreting traditional Korean cuisine using premium Australian and Korean ingredients, securing a seat at this intimate restaurant is as hard as getting tickets to a major concert.

Signature Dish: 18-Course Degustation
Location: 9/7-9 Bligh Street, Sydney
Bookings: Matkim

Best Hotel Dining: Sydney Common, CBD

Sydney Common Restaurant and Bar

With a growing trend of exceptional hotel dining in Sydney, Sydney Common at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is one of the standout new spots. Featuring simple yet elevated dishes by Michelin-starred chef Jamie Robertson, Sydney Common serves a menu rooted in Australian influences, with hints of Japanese technique and woodfire flavours. Enjoy the stunning views of Hyde Park as you indulge in everything from juicy pork chops to a decadent chocolate mousse.

Signature Dish: Woodfire Pork Chops with Japanese Pickles
Location: 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Bookings: Sydney Common

Best Neighbourhood Date Night: Fior, Gymea

If you’re looking for a cozy, yet lively spot for a date night, Fior in Gymea is the perfect choice. This Italian-Australian bistro offers a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that features seasonally inspired pastas, tender meats, and indulgent desserts. Enjoy a glass of wine with a few oysters at aperitivo hour, then dig into their house-made pasta or a perfectly cooked ribeye steak.

Signature Dish: In-House Pasta with Seasonal Sauce
Location: 48 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea
Bookings: Fior

Best for a Drink: Ennui, Haymarket

Ennui, Haymarket - Credit: Lily Austin

For a top-tier wine and cocktail experience, look no further than Ennui in Haymarket. This heritage sandstone venue is home to over 300 wines and a premium selection of whiskeys, complemented by a menu that takes you on a culinary journey around the world. From French-inspired dishes to creative, globally-infused fare, Ennui is an ideal spot for wine connoisseurs and adventurous foodies.

Signature Dish: Foie Gras with Fig Jam
Location: 259 Pitt Street, Haymarket
Bookings: Ennui

Best Mid-Range Dining: Comedor, Newtown

Newtown’s Comedor brings an innovative cross-cultural menu to the table, with a focus on Mexican cuisine and its diverse influences. At just $35 for a set lunch, you’ll enjoy expertly prepared dishes with premium ingredients, from tortillas to tacos. The restaurant’s inviting, relaxed vibe makes it a great spot for a casual yet impressive dining experience.

Signature Dish: Tortilla with Grilled Meat or Vegetables
Location: 17-19 King Street, Newtown
Bookings: Comedor

Best Homey Atmosphere: Tida Persian Food, Willoughby

Tida Persian Food offers a comforting, homey experience, with dishes like crispy tahdig rice, juicy Persian kebabs, and herby stews that will transport you straight to Iran. The cozy, intimate setting feels like dining at a friend’s house, and the warm hospitality from owners Parya Zaghand and Milad Amiri ensures you’ll feel right at home.

Signature Dish: Tahdig (Crispy Rice) and Ghormeh Sabzi
Location: 4/105 High Street, Willoughby
Bookings: Tida Persian Food

Best White Tablecloth Bistro: Bistro Grenier, Newtown

If you’re after a traditional French bistro experience with a twist, Bistro Grenier in Newtown is the place to be. Part of the Odd Culture Group, this vibrant spot offers a rich menu of French classics with an unpretentious vibe. Enjoy a relaxed yet refined evening with crisp wines and dishes that are as fun as they are delicious.

Signature Dish: Duck Confit with Orange Glaze
Location: 306-308 King Street, Newtown
Bookings: Bistro Grenier

Best New Take on Dining: Firepop, Enmore

From a humble stall to a full-fledged restaurant, Firepop has redefined Chinese street food with its premium Australian ingredients and innovative approach. Known for their skewers of grilled meat, Firepop combines traditional Chinese BBQ flavours with a fresh, local twist, making it a must-visit for adventurous foodies.

Signature Dish: Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Skewers with Cumin
Location: 85 Enmore Road, Enmore
Bookings: Firepop

Best Degustation: Allta, CBD

Allta, a modern Korean fine-dining restaurant, takes you on an unforgettable 15-course degustation that dives deep into the rich flavours of Korea. Chef Jun-su Chang’s inventive approach to traditional Korean cuisine has earned Allta two hats in the 2025 Good Food Guide. Enjoy bold flavours, delicate dishes, and impeccable service in a sophisticated, intimate setting.

Signature Dish: 15-Course Korean Degustation
Location: 1/235 Clarence Street, Sydney
Bookings: Allta

Sydney’s dining scene is constantly evolving, and 2024 is no exception. These exciting new restaurants reflect the city’s rich diversity and its ever-expanding culinary horizons. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a luxe fine-dining experience, these spots offer something special for every taste and occasion. Don't miss the chance to experience the best Sydney has to offer this summer!