As our cities grow upwards and outwards, new urban multi-venue dining precincts are attracting powerhouse foodie talent and creating lively, welcoming communities overnight.
One after the other, across Australia, we’ve seen a boom in multi-venue dining and drinking precincts. Unlike your average mall or food court, these new builds are luring top hospitality operators to create lifestyle hubs with instant credibility.
As we face rising density, these precincts foster urban communities, with developers recognising good food and drinks as essential services. The developments often include the three ‘H’s: hotels, hospitality and housing. Early examples like James Street in Brisbane, home to the The Calile Hotel, and Sydney’s Darling Square between Darling Harbour and Haymarket have since become part of the cities’ fabric, bustling with locals and tourists year-round.
One of the most visible new players is the billion-dollar Queen’s Wharf on the riverfront in Brisbane. Regardless of The Star’s fate, it will still deliver dozens of restaurants and bars, and is already home to impressive new spaces like Luc Lac, Black Hide and Pompette. The sheer scale is visible from the Sky Deck, where bars like Cicada Blu are in full swing.
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In Melbourne, East Brunswick Village holds its own in the inner north’s competitive food scene. On their doorsteps, villagers and neighbours now have cafe and roastery Bellboy, Cinema Nova’s ‘food-focused cinema’ FoMo, craft brewer Bridge Road, wine shop Blackhearts & Sparrows, and butcher Hagen’s Organics, with popular bakery To Be Frank also opening here before Easter.
Natalie and Joseph Abboud moved their beloved local eatery Rumi in, as well as their new bar The Rocket Society. “Being at East Brunswick Village feels like being part of something truly special,” says Joseph. “The tenants here are more than just neighbours – we’re a tight-knit community where everyone works together. The residents, many of whom are regulars, share a sense of belonging and connection that makes this place feel like home.”
He adds: “Actually, it’s so good, my in-laws have moved into the next block!”
Wunderlich Lane in Sydney has transformed a corner on the Redfern/Surry Hills border, where The EVE Hotel presides over a precinct with eight dining options, boutiques, and two large supermarkets (conveniently for the hundreds of on-site apartments). Liquid & Larder (of Bistecca, The Gidley and others) runs stylish Mexican eatery Lottie beside the pool on EVE’s leafy rooftop, and the welcoming all-day Bar Julius in its lobby.
As well as a pizzeria by the LuMi Dining crew, an omakase restaurant by Raita Noda and a Messina, Island Radio plates up wallet- pleasing Southeast Asian eats, while upstairs Baptist Street Rec. Club spins its retro charms until 2am. On the ground floor, The Apollo team has a hit on its hands with Olympus, a stunning take on a Greek taverna that’s already packed every day.
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