The Hottest Restaurant Openings in January

Akash Arora serves up Australia’s hottest new restaurants.

SYDNEY

Love Fish Barangaroo

The food: Rozelle’s much-loved seafood restaurant has opened a branch in Barangaroo with a focus on fresh Australian marine produce such as blacklip abalone and purple sea urchin.

The drinks: About 45 Australian and New Zealand wines, as well as a selection of spirits, craft beers and cocktails.

The atmosphere: A bright, high-ceilinged setting offering indoor and outdoor seating with harbour views.

The location: Barangaroo’s waterfront.

Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo; lovefish.com.au

BRISBANE

The Long Road

The food: Brisbane-born Nathan Wood, who’s worked at Gordon Ramsay’s Aubergine in London, is the chef behind this European-style restaurant doing share plates. Think platters of cheese, hand-cured meats and slow-cooked mains.

The drinks: There’s a by-the-glass menu of 25 Old World and New World wines and eight Champagnes. Classic and modern cocktails, too.

The atmosphere: Art Deco mirrors and chandeliers meet raw timber in this eclectic, relaxed space.

The location: On the site of the now-closed Gaslight Bistro.

726 Brunswick Street, New Farm; thelongroad.com.au

HOBART

Born in Brunswick

The food: MasterChef Australia alumnus Con Vailas and best mate Ben Korkmaz bring a taste of Melbourne to Hobart with “fine-dining” brunches. Dishes include scrambled eggs with cured venison and breakfast panna cotta.

The drinks: Eastern-inspired breakfast cocktails (gin, coriander, yuzu and mango syrup), with a small menu of wines, beers and homemade ginger beer.

The atmosphere: Plants and skylights create a casual, airy vibe at this eatery with concrete floors and timber furniture.

The location: North Hobart’s burgeoning food strip.

410 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

MELBOURNE

Calia

The food: Ferran Adrià’s protégé and the chef behind Tokyo’s Michelin-starred 81 restaurant, Francisco Araya has devised an Asian-inspired menu here that includes Robbins Island Wagyu with Japanese rice, onsen egg, shiso and caviar.

The drinks: Local craft beers and a range of sakés, plus international and local wine labels such as Jauma, Domaine Simha and Ulithorne.

The atmosphere: There’s lots of marble, brass and beechwood in this swank, buzzy eatery.

The location: Third floor of the Emporium Melbourne shopping mall in the CBD.

287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne; calia.com.au