Phil Wood has announced that he will open his first restaurant in Sydney this year.

The yet-to-be-named venue will take over a corner terrace in the heart of Paddington, just around the corner from the Four In Hand hotel.

The chef has recently returned to Sydney after a four-year stint as Culinary Director of Pt. Leo Estate on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Before this, he was the Executive Chef of Rockpool in Sydney for eight years.

The Paddington terrace where the restaurant will be located was built in the late 19th century, and over the years has served as a pub, grocer, and restaurant, most recently as Darcy’s Restaurant for almost 40 years.

“The building itself goes back to around 1890. One of the most amazing things about it is it’s one of those corner terraces that make Paddington so special,” Phil Wood tells delicious.

“It’s got a beautiful feel during the day when you get the natural sunlight coming through the windows, and then at night time it’s quite glorious as well.”

The venue will seat approximately 80 diners and serve modern, bistro fare with a focus on fresh, local produce.

“The idea is it’s going to be beautiful, simple food, that’s really produce-driven. I’ll be making the most of the fruit and vegetables from around the outskirts of Sydney.”

The new restaurant is slated to open in the second half of 2021.