The last days of summer see Sydney flush with delicious new eating hubs and awe-inspiring experiences. Book a day of mahjong, get up close to Australian animals, go stargazing, and feast on European, Asian or native flavours.   

FOOD AND DRINK

Late-night Newtown 

Aiming to redefine Sydney's late-night scene, Odd Culture Group will launch much-anticipated basement cocktail bar and live music venue Pleasure Club on Friday 23 February. The King Street haunt will open Wednesdays to Sundays 4pm to 4am, feature unique drinks by bar manager Sam Kirk and Re- Bar's Matt Whiley and host live entertainment from psychedelic rock to theatre performances.  

A new place to graze 

Snack Kitchen offers another chapter of Euro-style eating to Potts Point as the man behind Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Maurice Terzini, and his son, Sylvester, open a new late-night eatery on Macleay Street. The menu features Italian-Australian bites like fritto misto (fried seafood), polpetti (meatballs) and cured meats and cheeses, alongside a drink menu featuring eclectic wines. 

Groovy bottomless brunch 

Dance and brunch the day away at Tucano's new Disco Brunch. Every Saturday, the tiki bar in Surry Hills puts on a colourful bottomless brunch, with a shared Mediterranean-inspired menu, tasty cocktails, wine and tap beer. 

Mahjong time 

To celebrate Lunar New Year, Mr Wong executive chef Dan Hong and Crazy Rich Asians actor Remy Hii will host the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mahjong Club on Saturday 17 February at Est. on Bridge Street. The all-day affair includes mahjong tournaments, a modern take on a traditional Lunar New Year feast and Johnnie Walker cocktails. 

Apollo's new appetiser 

Gourmet hub Potts Point will soon be graced with a new European-style all-day eatery as The Apollo Group (The Apollo and Cho Cho San) plan to launch its latest venue in the old Bourke Street Bakery site. The new Crick Avenue eatery will be the group's sixth venture, and slated to open in the second half of 2024. 

Surry Hills stars 

The new Surry Hills Village precinct, an in-development apartment and hotel complex on the corner of Cleveland and Baptist Streets, will home a cluster of new venues from House Made Hospitality group. The group – which has Bondi's Easy Tiger and Circular Quay's Lana, Grana and Martinez – is planning an Italian eatery by LuMi chef Federico Zanellato, and three more Asian-inspired restaurants. 

Native flavours 

Taste the rich and diverse flavours of Australia's bush foods with Nel Restaurant's Native Australian Menu for 2024. Featured dishes on the 11-course degustation menu by chef Nelly Robinson include a warrigal and saltbush taco, riberry kangaroo kebab and a pepperberry jaffle.   

EXPERIENCES

Meet the Aussie animals 

Visitors have the chance to get up close to the country's iconic native animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo's relaunched Australian Wildlife Tour. Guided by a knowledgeable keeper, the one-hour tour visits kangaroos, cassowaries and platypus, some of the zoo's restricted areas, and includes a photo opportunity with a koala. 

Stargazing in the Gardens 

Marvel at the sparkling night sky over a glass of wine at the new Astronomy experience at The Calyx Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The stargazing evening is guided by distinguished astrophysicist Dr Ángel Lopez-Sanchez, and First Nations astronomer Drew Roberts, and includes viewings of the galaxies through powerful telescopes. 

Airport dining 

Airport dining just got a facelift at Sydney's T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal as Luke Mangan launches his 200-seat Luke's Bistro and Bar. As well as decadent dishes like oysters and lobster rolls, the restaurant will also have a large range of grab-and-go options for those on the run. 

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