It’s here, in Sydney’s former industrial heartland, that a raft of Sydney’s most celebrated culinary forces have chosen to make their new home. There’s been chatter that South Eveleigh, Sydney’s newest dining and drinking precinct would swing open its doors soon, and they finally came through. Now open, and just a stone’s throw from Redfern Station, Locomotive Street in South Eveleigh is now welcoming visitors. Once home to a collection of old railway sheds, developer Mirvac has lovingly restored the heritage buildings, retaining hundreds of old artefacts as a reminder of the location’s manufacturing heyday. There is even a working blacksmith still on site.
Some of Australia’s best and most dynamic restaurateurs and operators have chosen South Eveleigh as their home due to the history, culture and unique opportunity to be a part of shaping this vibrant new destination. While many venues have opened, there are still plenty to come in the next few months. Here’s what to expect.
What restaurants and shops are open in South Eveleigh Now?
There are a few restaurants serving customers right now. This includes Rara Ramen’s, Tokyo inspired Rara Chan, where you can get thick noodles and toppings, served dipping style, also known as tsukemen. You will also find an outpost of Eat Fuh, whipping up their famous Pho alongside other Vietnamese dishes. Fishbowl is also serving their healthy Japanese salad bowls, which is great for on the go or dine in. Bekya is dishing up casual Egyptian food with a twist, and you can get your hands on Steve Costi’s famous fish.
Priceline is also now open on Central Avenue at South Eveleigh, joining other retailers and wellness facilities at South Eveleigh including Nail Depot Bar, BodyFit, yoga studio and wholefood café, Egg of the Universe and Xtend Barre.
What restaurants, bars, and shops are yet to open in South Eveleigh?
In mid-April, Matt Whiley, in collaboration with Maurice Terzini, will open Re, the world’s first permanent no waste bar in one of the repurposed Locomotive Workshops. Whiley is also South Eveleigh’s Maven of Beverages and will be curating an exciting program of events and activations throughout the year.
Following the successful launch of Locali by Romeo’s in Sydney’s CBD, the independent supermarket chain will open Romeo’s Food Hall IGA, a new concept store in the Locomotive Workshops in April that will feature a pizzeria, patisserie, sushi bar, roastery and florist. Orazio D’Elia, Matteo owner and executive chef, has once again collaborated with Romeo’s Food Hall IGA on the food offering.
They will be joined by Kylie Kwong (South Eveleigh’s ambassador for food, culture and community) in May when she opens her eagerly awaited new eatery in the Locomotive Workshops, while later in the year, The Grounds are set to open their third Sydney venue and event space at the new lifestyle hub.
Mexican restaurant chain Mad Mex has dropped a new protein, and it’s one of the most popular street foods in Mexico.
Enter, Chicken Al Pastor. It’s traditionally made with pork and grilled on a spinning rotisserie with a pineapple sitting a top, but Mad Mex has put its own spin on it, serving chicken bathed in an Al Pastor marinade with a touch of juicy pineapple.
You can order the protein-packed filling in your favourite burrito, bowl, quesadilla, nachos, or in a taco.
As always, these things are here for a good time, not a long time. Pop into your local Mad Mex restaurant, order delivery or through the Mad Mex app today.
