Move on up March, we’ve got something tasty in store for Australians this month.
Come to the third month of the year and we’re all starting to feel a little overwhelmed already. Somehow the summer season is coming to a close and the best thing to fill your calendar with will be plans to visit the newest and tastiest restaurant, bar or pub near you. But with so many options, where do you start?
That’s where we march in. Just in time for the month to begin, we’ve found the best brand new eateries to sink your teeth into. From Melbourne to Perth, Sydney and even down to Kiama, if you’re not eating or drinking at these places, you are certainly doing your March wrong.
Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne
Originally opening their doors back in 1883, come March 2020 and Melbournians will be welcoming the arrival of the transformed Albert Park Hotel. Found a touch away from St Vincent Gardens, in 2014 the historic watering hole was purchased by Colonial Leisure Group and has since been transforming Albert Park’s newest oasis. Apart from restructuring the venue to feature a four-storey atrium, as well as local and original artefacts and antiques, Albert Park Hotel has been reimagined with a Chinoiserie feel throughout. As for bites, come to their opening in March and visitors will be treated to an oasis of delicious Chinese-inspired snacks. Think dumplings, pipis served with orgasmic fried bread and steamed crab to name a few. For tipples, head to the upstairs bar and lounge to sip on a range of world-class cocktails.
Albert Park Hotel – 85 Dundas Pl, Albert Park, VIC 3206
Diggies, Kiama
South coasties, you’ll be blowing if you don’t try this one… Meet Diggies – Kiama’s newest seaside venue located a touch away from the iconic Kiama Blowhole. Opening late December 2019 and joining the Wollongong and North Beach kiosk venues this March, no trip down south is complete without popping into this breathtaking eatery. The venue is adorned with a white-washed feel with cacti planters and wooden seating setting the scene. As for the food, need we say anything more than all-day brunch? Featuring breakfast classics like the iconic bacon and egg roll to mid-day pleasers such as Beer Battered Flat Head ‘n’ Chips ($23), a vegan Vietnamese Tofu Salad ($18) and their Instagram-worthy Buttermilk Pancakes ($19). Regardless of your choice, Diggies Kiama will soon become a year-round favourite.
Diggies – 1 Blowhole Point Rd, Kiama NSW 2533
Downtown Bar, Sydney
Sydneysiders, heading downtown? Well we’ve got the hottest and tastiest bar set to open their doors this March 2020. Sharing the space with one of Sydney’s most renowned Italian restaurants, Matteo, Downtown Bar will focus on Italian food and drink classics such as signature aperitivos, spritzes, negronis, small batch liqueurs and more. Inspired by Milan and Venice, Downtown Bar is adorned with brass accents and plush velvet furnishings. As for the bite-sized bar menu, expect nothing short of amazing in Matteo’s newest prodigy. Guests will be able to graze on smoked trout and finger lime cannoli, octopus and lobster sandwiches. Of course, Matteo Downtown’s full restaurant menu will be available at the bar too. This is one not to miss.
Downtown Bar – 20 Bond St, Sydney NSW 2000
Henrys, Sydney
After the success of its brother venue, Henrys Cronulla, this blissful oasis will be opening up their newest venue in Sydney’s lower north shore. Since early February, Henrys Neutral Bay has become the newest hideout for locals and Sydneysiders who adore a flair for decadent eats paired with fresh and fun cocktails. It boasts a menu designed by head chef Allan Mikami – born in Brazil to Japanese parents. The menu, charismatic in itself, featured everything from Crispy Flathead Tacos ($6.50), Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi ($21), Alaskan King Crab Soldiers ($20 and more. As for cocktails – which are a must-try – indulge in cocktail classics and Sydney’s favourite, an espresso martini topped with freshly shaved chocolate.
Henrys Neutral Bay – Shop 2, 19-25 Grosvenor St, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Kogarah Clubhouse, Sydney
Looking for a three-in-one type of venue? We point you in the direction of Kogarah Clubhouse sitting in the heart of Kogarah – south of Sydney’s CBD. Opening earlier this year, this March, a visit to Kogarah Clubhouse should be on your list. After a massive refurbishment, the iconic Railway Parade venue serves up a range of electric eats and drinks at their three newest eateries. A family-friendly space, The Clubhouse Bar, features curved wooden architecture adorned with exposed ceilings and an upbeat relaxed feel. For a modern-day eatery serving breakfast through to dinner, Blake Street Kitchen is the place, offering everything from salads, burgers, an all-day breakfast menu, to schnitzels and steaks. Finally, The Pearl Asian Eating House is perfect for private dining affairs with live seafood tanks and a dedicated dim sim menu – all infused with authentic Asian flavours mixed with modern flair.
Kogarah Clubhouse – 252 Railway Parade, Kogarah NSW 2217
Palace Arcade, Perth
Perth, get ready to rev your engines. From mid-February, Perthlings have been flocking to East Victoria Park’s newest haven for gamers, cocktail ravers and late-night cravers. If you’re ready to play, we point you in the direction of Palace Arcade. Founded by avid arcade gamer, Saran Bajaj (Origin Fields, The Compound, Shape Nightclub and Beauvine Food & Wine Festival), Palace Arcade allows Perthlings to enter the world of gaming with a cocktail in one hand and a pizza slice in the other. Need to refuel? We recommend the Five Boroughs Five Cheese ($28) pizza and The Melon Baller ($17) cocktail tippled with butter-infused vodka, honeydew, lime, absinthe and mint. Ready, set, play.
Palace Arcade – 774 Albany Hwy, East Victoria Park, WA 6101
Tokki, Sydney
Sydney, we’ve got news on the newest hotspot – a Japanese-meets-Korean-inspired restaurant that’s set up shop in Surry Hills. Meet Tokki. Created by travel and food enthusiast, David Bae, Tokki serves an incredible selection of food that’s housed within a relaxing nook embellished with raw finishing, timber detailing and neutral scheme all round. But don’t be deceived, the food certainly steals the show. Whipping up a range of share plates, for your visit, seep into Tokki’s Gochu Pork Belly bao ($7) followed by the Miso Butter Prawns ($28) and end with the Yuzu Cheesecake ($15) which also features a mesmerising mango sorbet. As for cocktail enthusiasts, Tokki’s menu is short but it’s certainly sweet. Our pick is the Mademoiselle ($16) which is topped with raspberries, lime, SOHO and prosecco.
Tokki – 44a Foveaux St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010