The Hottest Restaurant Openings in July
Akash Arora serves up Australia’s hottest new restaurants.
Grange Road Egg Shop
The food: At Adam Wilkinson’s new café, enjoy a healthy breakfast (kale smoothie bowl with spinach and spirulina), Italian-influenced modern Australian meals (sumac-crusted pork) and delicious desserts (banana fritters with coconut cream).
The drinks: Single-origin, filtered and pour-over coffees, plus smoothies, Australian wines and craft beers such as Stone & Wood.
The atmosphere: Pastel colours and bespoke egg-shaped furniture create a stylish setting.
The location: In the posh Toorak neighbourhood, about 15 minutes south-east of Melbourne’s CBD.
1a Grange Road, Toorak; (03) 9827 2736
Otto
The food: The sister restaurant of Sydney’s Otto takes its cue from southern Italy, with head chef Will Cowper serving dishes such as butterflied spatchcock with pancetta, and beef carpaccio with truffle dressing.
The drinks: The 180-strong wine list features classic and unusual Italian and Australian drops.
The atmosphere: An open kitchen and timber walls and ceilings give the restaurant a relaxed feel.
The location: On the fourth floor of the 32-storey Dexus office development in Brisbane’s CBD.
480 Queen Street, Brisbane
Saké Jr
The food: This is a quicker, hipper, trendier offshoot of Saké Restaurant & Bar – perfect for those who are short on time. Create your own bowls of noodle- and rice-based dishes packed with fresh seasonal ingredients.
The drinks: Teas, coffees and cold-pressed juices. A good selection of wines, Japanese beers and sakés, too.
The atmosphere: Café-style vibe with bright colours and Japanese and Korean interior design influences.
The location: Melbourne CBD
555 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Beta
The food: Expect slow-cooked lamb pastries with spice-roasted sweetbreads, and smoked fetta custard with duck-skin crisps at this new Greek-inspired bar concept by Peter Conistis of Sydney’s Alpha restaurant.
The drinks: Classic cocktails with a Hellenic twist, such as the Dirty Greek Martini that comes with a grilled horiatiki skewer.
The atmosphere: A modern space with metallic accents in a Victorian building with original arches and brickwork.
The location: Above Alpha on Castlereagh Street in Sydney’s CBD.
238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Pictured at top: Otto
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