The Hottest New Restaurants in August
Akash Arora serves up Australia’s hottest new restaurants this month.
SYDNEY
Long Chim
The food: After a 15-year hiatus, David Thompson is back in his home town for the launch of Long Chim. His third Thai-street-food eatery (after Singapore and Perth) will feature Bangkok favourites like charred noodles and robust curries.
The drinks: A large selection of Australian and international wines, as well as cocktails, beers, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages.
The atmosphere: A multi-level basement space with an open kitchen, complete with clanking woks.
The location: Angel Place in Sydney’s CBD.
10-14 Martin Place, Sydney
SEE ALSO: Long Chim Thai Street Food Restaurant to open in Sydney CBD
Eleven Bridge
The food: After 27 years, Neil Perry has closed iconic Sydney fine-dining establishment Rockpool Est. 1989. It reopens this month as Eleven Bridge, eschewing the set eight-course menu in favour of “a more flexible à la carte” option.
The drinks: A 1000-strong wine list with drops from Australia and beyond.
The atmosphere: Approachable but stylish: soaring columns, a high ceiling and seductively dark décor.
The location: In Rockpool Est. 1989’s original home, a short walk from Circular Quay.
11 Bridge Street, Sydney; (02) 9252 1888
MELBOURNE
Ricky & Pinky
The food: Melbourne restaurateur Andrew McConnell is razing the wall between the bistro and the Moon Under Water restaurant at Fitzroy’s Builders Arms Hotel to make way for an eatery with contemporary nods to Chinese classics.
The drinks: A dedicated cocktail list, an array of beers and a good selection of wines that pair well with Chinese food.
The atmosphere: Bright, vibrant fit-out with fish tanks and lazy Susans to amplify the Asian theme.
The location: The leafy and vibrant Gertrude Street in Fitzroy.
211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy; (03) 9417 7700
BRISBANE
Sichuan Bang Bang
The food: Shanghai-style pork ribs and wok-fried Chongqing chicken with potato chips will be the order of the day at Renata Roberts’ brand-new Sichuan restaurant.
The drinks: The eatery shares its bar with the next-door pizzeria (also by Roberts) so expect everything, from Peroni and Prosecco to Chinese tea and whisky.
The atmosphere: Dark and moody, with works by local artist Kellie O’Dempsey.
The location: About a five-minute walk from Wilston railway station.
70 Kedron Brook Road, Wilston
Top image: Sichuan Bang Bang
SEE ALSO: 7 Restaurants You Must Try in Melbourne
