Over the next few weeks, the AU review will be highlighting five different restaurants in different cities that have re-opened after weeks of devastation. Acting in accordance with current health measures, each of these venues have opened to ten dine-in customers at a time and are following strict hygiene standards to adapt to the ongoing global pandemic.
This should be obvious but if you do make a booking at these places (or any, for that matter) you should show up or cancel as far in advance as possible. The hospitality industry has just gone through unbearable pain and is only now beginning to see what economic recovery could look like post-lockdown. Not showing up for your booking at a time like this is unforgivable, especially since these venues can only serve a very limited number of diners at any one time.
Do note that many of these venues are also still going ahead with their pick-up and delivery options, so even if you can’t score a booking or walk-in table, you’ve always got the option to order some food and drink for takeaway.
Belly Bao
It’s no secret that we here at the AU review are addicted to Belly Bao. The now staple eatery in Newtown is consistent with their creativity, some of the best fried chicken in town, and those unholy baogers, so if you’ve been craving some modern Malaysian flavours this should be your first stop. Note that they are only taking groups of two or four with 1 hour sittings at the moment, and their pick-up and delivery menus are still available.
bellybao.com/
184 King St, Newtown
Shuk
This super popular, Bondi-born Israeli cafe has reopened for up to ten walk-ins at a time across breakfast and lunch services. We know we’re craving those incredible Jerusalem spiced chicken skewers and that unforgettable shakshuka, and if you are too then head along to one of their three – North Bondi, Chatswood, Elizabeth Bay – venues asap.
shuk.com.au
2 Mitchell St, North Bondi
Shop R03, 260 Victoria Ave, Chatswood
61-69 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay
Low 302
Stalwart Surry Hills venue Low 302 has always been a beacon for the late-night crowd thanks to its reliable live music program, great food and even better craft cocktails. They are amongst the many Sydney spots which have reopened for charcuterie plates, pies, salads and that undeniable drinks list. Low 302 is now accepting walk-ins, although bookings are recommended and may be subject to a time limit.
low302.com.au
302 Crown St, Surry Hills
Delhi O Delhi
Long-standing Newtown favourite Delhi O Delhi is back, reopening for ten guests at a time in 90 minute sessions. The team behind this Indian staple are following all guidelines, and while they’ll be taking care of dine-in guests, their takeaway menu is also still available. Order from them and you’ll get 25% off upon pickup.
delhiodelhi.com.au
3 Erskineville Rd, Newtown
Mode Kitchen & Bar
Don’t forget about those fine restaurants tucked away in Sydney’s best hotels. Mode Kitchen & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has reopened with Head Chef Francesco Mannelli serving up his menu with signatures like Hiramasa Kingfish, whole-baked fish in a 400 degree Wood-fire oven and T-bone 1Kg King Island Beef, free range grass-fed, 5 weeks dry aged. Diners can also pair their meals with a long overdue staycation, which is a damn good idea right now seeing as the luxury property, which wasn’t used as one of Sydney’s quarantine hotels, has currently dropped the nightly rate for their pinnacle Four Seasons Full Harbour King Club Room to AU$385 (till 30 June; it’s usually from AU$1,400).
modekitchenandbar.com.au
199 George Street, Sydney
Feature image: Shuk.