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. Grandfather’s (CBD)
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Opening: Late 2025
About: The team behind Neptune's Grotto, Pellegrino 2000, Clam Bar, and Bistro 916 are showing no signs of slowing down. Their next venture? A Chinese restaurant in Sydney's CBD called Grandather's. Taking over the multi-level space that once housed Long Chim, the restaurant will depart from the group's typical European flavours, to pay tribute to Cantonese cuisine. Watch this space for more information.
2. Olympic Meats (Marrickville)
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Opened: March 4, 2025
About: Exactly as the name suggests, this new Marrickville local specialises in meats, cooked in the Greek kontosouvli style. While it only just opened its doors, the venue has had more than a warm welcome to the neighbourhood, with grabbing a seat here (there are no bookings) somewhhat of an olympic sport. But the menu makes the wait worth it, whether you're opting for lamb straight from the charcoal grill, flakey spanakopita, or chips cooked in beef tallow.
3. Corner 75 (Randwick)
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Opened: March 2025
About: It's not often that you see Hungarian cuisine take centre stage here in Sydney, so Corner 75 was a welcome addition to the Randwick scene. The restaurant has actually been in operation for decades, but original owner Paul Varga this year handed over the reigns to the team behind Baba's Place, and the result is something magical. From the (enormous) golden chicken schnitzel, best served with an array of sides, to the apple strudel and sweetened cream, this is comfort food on a whole new level.
4. Prefecture 48
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Opened: Late 2024
About: While not technically a 2025 opening, we still think this larger-than-life Japanese locale is worth talking about. There are six venues under the one roof: FIVE, Garaku, Omakase, Ibushi, Whiskey Thief, and Dear Florence, each offering a unique take on Japanese cuisine and culture. Trust us, it's worth coming back to try them all.
5. Bessie’s and Alma’s (Surry Hills)
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Opened: 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.
6. Sana (Eveleigh)
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Opened: 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.
7. Eleven Barrack (CBD)
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Opened: 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.
8. Bar Julius (Redfern)
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Opened: 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.
9. Baptist Street Rec Club (Redfern)
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Opened: 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.
10. 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.
11. Cafe Cressida (Woollahra)
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Opened: 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.
12. Lottie (Redfern)
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Opened: 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.
13. Khanom House (Chippendale)
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Opened: 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.
14. IFTAR (Merrylands)
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Opened: Saturday 18 January 2025.
About: IFTAR, Merrylands’ newest dining destination, redefines Middle Eastern cuisine with a bold, modern twist under the culinary direction of Jeremy Agha. Opening later this month, this warm, architecturally stunning space invites guests to savour dishes like wood-fired Manoush, Shawarma Tacos, and Wagyu Kofta Dumplings, each inspired by cherished family recipes and contemporary flair.
15. Golden Century (CBD)
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Opened: Monday 20 January 2025.
About: Golden Century at Crown Sydney is set to open its doors this month, offering diners a first taste of its iconic Cantonese cuisine just in time for Lunar New Year, with reservations available now. While the grand opening is planned for early February, guests will be able to savour signature dishes, live seafood, and over 80 traditional yum cha offerings at its new Barangaroo location a little earlier.
16. Solaré (Sydney Harbour)
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Opening: Mid-2025.
About: This three-level superyacht parked in the Sydney Harbour offers a contemporary coastal Italian dining experience helmed by Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas, whose impressive résumé includes Ortiga, Totti’s Bondi, and Bobby’s Cronulla. Guests can indulge in a set-menu at the main deck’s 'Dining Room,' enjoy weekend drinks at the level 2 ‘Terrace,’ or soak up the sun with cocktails on the rooftop Sun Deck.
17. Grill Americano
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Opening: Set to open in September 2025.
About: This Melbourne institution comes courtesy of restauranteur Chris Lucas, and is set to open a second outpost in Sydney come September. If you've been lucky enough to score a hotly sought-after booking in Melbourne, you'll know Grill Americano specialises in simple but delicious Italian fare. The showstopper? A tiramisu dessert, scooped directly onto your plate, tableside. Expect to see a larger-scale Grill Americano popping up in Sydney on the ground-floor of the historic Qantas House building in the CBD.
18. Herbs Taverne (CBD)
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Opening: May 2025
About: The team behind some of Sydney’s most iconic bars like Cantina OK! and Bar Planet is expanding its repertoire once more, unveiling a new Negroni-centric basement bar, Herbs Taverne, in the CBD this May. With a focus on aperitifs, digestifs and late-night charm, the venue will keep doors open until 2am every night of the week with their 12-part cocktail menu and, of course, a new signature popcorn flavour.
