SYDNEY
One Penny Red
Taking over the old heritage listed Post Office building in Summer Hill, One Penny Red offers relaxed neighbourhood dining that’s bound to become a locals haunt. There’s an upstairs and downstairs menu, the latter of which is a more ‘serious’ list starring seasonal plates like Holmbrae Roast Chicken with Braised Eschallot and Raisin, or Pappardelle with Zucchini Ribbons, Flowers, Saffron and House Ricotta. Head chef and co-owner RJ Lines comes from Longrain and Neutral Bay Diner, co-owner David Murphy used to work as a sommelier at Rockpool before opening Ash St Cellar, while Nina Alidenes is a Summer Hill stalwart who ran nearby Envy Café. The moral to the story? You’re in good hands. 2 Moonbie St Sumer Hills NSW
Zeus Street Greek
Australia appears to be in the midst of a Greek revival, with Sydney’s Alpha, Melbourne’s Gazi, and now Zeus in Sydney’s Drummoyne opening, giving the souvlaki a makeover. George Kyprianou (of Pony fame) has teamed with new partner Costa Anastas to open the “street Greek dining eatery” which specialises in souvla. Dine-in and takeaway versions of the coal-cooked meats are up for the eating here, as is kontosouvli: a traditional Cypriot method where the meat is chargrilled on short skewers for maximum tenderness. Zeus is set to spread the love across Sydney and Melbourne with more Zeus shops opening soon. 187-189 Lyons Road, Drummoyne NSW
Cho Cho San
While Japanese wasn’t anyone’s first pick of cuisines for The Apollo’s Jonathan Barthelmess and Sam Christie’s next venture, we’re so glad these guys decided to try something completely new. A lack of formal Japanese food training paves the way for an unconventional and exciting fusion menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Highlights include Eggplant Miso Dip (served with rice crackers); Mussels, Sake, Kimchi; Teriyaki T-Bone and Onion Salad and from the raw bar, Hokkaido Scallops, Corn, House-cured Bonito. For dessert, it’s all about the Green Tea Soft-Serve Ice-Cream in a Waffle Cone. Cho Cho San lives up to its Greek sibling’s awesomeness. 73 Macleay Street, Potts Point, NSW
AUCKLAND
Loop
This new Kingsland bistro and bar has a ‘local-first’ philosophy, celebrating Greater Auckland’s regional and seasonal favourites. “Making a priority of quality, locally-sourced produce allows us to support our neighbours, use the freshest of foods, and offer guests a higher-end dining experience at an affordable price.” Polenta and Potato Gnocchi and Slow Braised Daube of Beef with Butternut & Ginger, Cucumber, Coriander and Spiced Coconut Emulsion feature on the menu. 462 New North Rd, Kingsland, Auckland
Le Vietnamese Kitchen
Award-winning Vietnamese chef David Gao has recreated a scene straight out of Hanoi with his new Ponsonby Road restaurant, Le Vietnamese Kitchen. Sit under swinging lanterns and feast on Vietnamese street staples like banh mi, pho and rice paper rolls before sitting down to more refined French-influenced dishes like De Boeuf Au Vin – Bo Sot Vang; stewed beef in Merlot, vegetables and French baguette to mop it all up. There’s a Vietnamese-inspired cocktail menu and the guys do Vietnamese drip filter coffee. Win. 107 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
Burger Burger
Adrian Chilton (Jam Cafe) and Mimi Gilmour (Mexico) are the duo behind Burger Burger, a loud and licensed burger joint that has a serious spirits and cocktail list. The beef with the lot (you can build up your burger with pickles, beetroot, bacon, you name it) is best washed down with a tap beer, or perhaps an old-fashioned lemonade or feijoa soda, and a banana split or sundae to end. The chicken and fish burgers are also worth a try. The Lane, Ponsonby Central, cnr Brown St and Ponsonby Rd.
