Thankfully with the easing of restrictions, bars and restaurants are reopening all around the country. Rejoice! Our social lives are back! There are still restrictions in place in regards to capacity and at in some states you can only go to a bar/pub if you are being served food. Sure it isn’t ideal but we are gaining a sense of normality which will do wonders for our well being. I can’t wait to dine at my favourite restaurants over a few drinks with friends. Yes, it will be different but it is all a step in the right direction. Here is a round up of venues around the country that have reopened.
Sydney
As of 1st June, restaurants and bars are allowed up to 50 patrons which is a lot more profitable than the current capacity of 10 people. As a result, a lot of bars and restaurants are opening up. One my faves in Darlinghurst, Love, Tilly Divine is opening up with a set menu at $50 per person. Bookings are essential. The Dolphin in Surrey Hills has been operating as a general store and liquor store with takeaway pizzas throughout the pandemic but is opening it’s burger bar for dining on weekdays and pasta on the weekends. Crowd favourite the Duke of Clarence is open for meals and drinks but bookings are essential. For those in the eastern suburbs, North Bondi Fish opens 1st June so tuck in to that delicious seafood. Bookings essential.
Melbourne
Restaurants, cafes and pubs are allowed to reopen in Melbourne on 1st June but with a maximum of 20 people. This limit might prevent a lot of operators opening their establishments as it will be difficult to cover costs, but fortunately a lot are still opening. My all time favourite restaurant in the city, Supernormal, is opening as Supernormal Ramen Bar which will include all the favourites. Another Melbourne classic, The Builders Arms Hotel will also be opening. Bookings are essential but are totally worth it for their cheeseburger alone! Another favourite, Hanoi Hannah in Elsternwick is opening on 1st June. Their delicious Vietnamese has been open throughout the pandemic for takeaway and delivery but it can’t top dining in. Book online. For those St. Kilda way, Village Belle is opening up for dining. Be prepared to tuck in to their famous pizzas. Book online.
Perth
Dining in opened up in Perth on the 18th May and fortunately, a lot of great bars and restaurants have taken the challenge, albeit with reduced capacity and social distancing. Japanese whiskey bar in the city Goody Two’s is open Thursday to Sunday. Of course you’ll need to order food to have a drink but with their delectable bao and delicious dumplings, this will not be an issue. Beachside favourite The Shorehouse will be open Friday-Sundays in 2 hour blocks, with a 3 course menu for $95PP. French Bistro Le Rebelle in Mt Lawley is opening a pop-up in its place, Oui Rebelle! It will serve it a whole new menu but favourites crab toast and duck parfait are here to stay. For a hearty 4 course meal in Fremantle, Manuka Woodfire Kitchen is reopening Tuesday to Saturday. Expect award winning food and service.
Brisbane
At present, only 10 people are allowed to dine in at cafes, restaurants and pubs but that will change to 20 people from 12th June. This number could change in coming days but it is thought venues will be allowed people according to their square metreage so that the 1 person per 4 square metres can be upheld. These restrictions have prevented a lot of venues from reopening but here are a few. Italian stalwart 1889 Enoteca is open for dinner daily with lunch on Sunday with bookings for 2 hours only. If you are craving burgers and wings, Red Hook in the CBD is open with bookings recommended. For delicious yum cha, try Umami in Fortitude Valley which is open Thursday-Sunday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Another great restaurant in Fortitude Valley opening up is Baja which is running a tasting menu for bookings of 10 people. Delicious!
Adelaide
Like other cities, Adelaide still has restrictions in place. A maximum of 10 people inside and 10 people outside. However, its appears up to 80 patrons will be welcomed as of Monday provided social distancing is practiced. This means a lot more restaurants will open, and you can go to the pub and have a drink without a meal, only if you are seated. The increased numbers was pushed forward from 5th June so some restaurants might not be open until next weekend. Osteria Oggi opened up on 22nd May so expect it to return to the vibrant Italian joint you know it as. Another restaurant that opened on 22nd May was Shobosho. The modern Asian eatery is back serving all your favourites including yakitori which it is so well known for. Amalfi Pizzeria Risteronte is another popular restaurant open slinging their famous pizzas and pastas. For tasty and fresh Thai, you can’t beat Nu Thai. The locally sourced produce is guaranteed to satisfy.
Hobart
Tasmania has been quite strict on the restrictions from early on and as it stands, only 10 patrons are permitted per venue. There is a lot of talk that many restaurants and bars won’t survive the pandemic, especially if they are reliant on interstate and international tourists which isn’t happening as the borders are closed. But fortunately, some have reopened. North Hobart wine bar Willing Bros. has opened and is attentively serving every one of it’s patrons. If southeast Asian is more to your taste, Mr Good Guy Bar & Asian kitchen is open to diners serving up their award winning food whilst still doing takeaway. If you have a hankering for a tasty Mexican feed, Amigos Mexican restaurant is open. Their seatings are filling up quickly so booking in advance is recommended.
Darwin
For those of you in Darwin, count yourself lucky! Everything is open including bars and pubs so go enjoy and support local businesses.
Get out amongst it people!
Gabby
xoxox
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