Formerly home to Flying Fish and Chuuka, the historic Jones Bay Wharf site will welcome a new tenant on November 25.

Sala is a new Italian seafood restaurant and crudo bar by hospitality couple Kerrie and Con Dedes (Flying Fish, Deckhouse, Watergrill) and executive chef Danny Russo.

Co-owner Con Dedes of Dedes Waterfront Group said: “The evolution of the site on Jones Bay Wharf has been very exciting for me to be part of. Maintaining the strong seafood elements from Flying Fish and evolving into a modern Italian restaurant seems very fitting of the harbourfront space.”

With a name that means ‘room’ in Italian, there’s no denying this is one of Sydney’s most beautiful places to dine. Situated at the end of the restored finger wharf, the historic site is famous for its industrial port design and panoramic harbour views.

The 160-seat venue has been given a modern Mediterranean update by design studio The General Store. The new interiors blend the site’s heritage architecture with a light and bright new look that features neutral tones, curved edges, fluid forms and lots of texture.

The two-storey venue has also been divided into several flowing spaces. Beyond the main dining area, guests can head out for a drink on the terrace, or take a seat at the crudo bar, which boasts front-row seats to the open kitchen.

Related news: 12 of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney

Head chef Michael Lewis is behind the food menu which combines nostalgic Italian flavours with premium Australian seafood. Signature dishes include a jet black squid ink tortellini with crab and caper sauce and crispy risoni fingers with caviar and parmesan. For dessert, there’s a Piemontese hazelnut.

As for vinos, head sommelier Rocco Pezzullo has put together a wine list that celebrates Italian varietals from both here and abroad. The cocktail list takes inspiration from the sea, with refreshing sippers like the Oyster Shell Martini spiked Never Never Oyster Shell gin and the Mediterranean Slide, made from a mix of mastica and limoncello.

Sala will open on Friday, November 25 at Jones Bay Wharf, Piers 19-21, 26/32 Pirrama Rd.

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