One of the most anticipated hotel openings in Sydney is the dramatically designed W Hotel at Darling Harbour, which opened to the public today. The talent coming from the in-house kitchen is just as exciting.

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The venue, called BTWN, is located on level three of the W Sydney and is named for the hotel’s unique location ‘between’ expressways and the waters of Darling Harbour. Very metropolitan. 

The restaurant, which is headed up by chef Chris Dodd, evolves as the day progresses, kicking off with breakfast as the sun rises. From midday, the cocktail bar showcases signature cocktails, a curated wine list and craft beers, and in the main dining space, the a la carte menu is designed with a hyper-focus on local produce and dishes to share ‘between’ friends. By night, the energy lifts again at BTWN and its cocktail bar, and one of its major drawcards, 2AM: dessertbar by Janice Wong, comes alive.

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The menu has been designed with hyper-local collaborations in mind, adhering to the W Hotel group’s ethos of minimising their resort’s carbon footprints without compromising on luxury. Dodd, an alumnus of Aria, Bistrot Plume in Geelong and Surry Hills’ The Blue Door, has earned his reputation as a wildly talented and deeply curious chef, reflected in his dishes that are all driven by sustainable produce, most of which is sourced from within NSW.

Menu highlights include poached Aquna Murray cod with pickled Eden mussels and sauteed cavolo nero from Moonacres Farm; a hearty slow-cooked Gundagai lamb shoulder with a yoghurt marinade; and spicy Musset Holdings mushroom ragout. The wine list is similarly regional in flavour with a showcase of NSW and Australian wines, peppered with both new and old-world wine icons.

Living Room’s menus embrace the hotel’s location on the edge of Chinatown with a focus on sake and soju, as well as Asian small bites. 29/30 is a two-level bar with uninterrupted harbour views. If you prefer your vibes pool-side, WET Deck bar evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting with casual tapas and cocktails.

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2AM:dessertbar is a collaboration between W Sydney and acclaimed Singaporean dessert guru Janice Wong. Open from dinner until late, the sweets station offers a redefined dessert experience that aims to push boundaries between sweet and savoury with local ingredients and cutting edge techniques.

BTWN is open to guests of the 585 room hotel as well as visitors who want to pop in for a meal by one of the rising stars of the Australian restaurant scene.

BTWN is located on level 3 of the W Hotel Sydney. Bookings can be made at the W Hotel Sydney website here.