One of Sydney’s original leading ladies is re-emerging into the limelight with the launch of Darlinghurst eatery Eliza Food & Wine. Named in ode to Governor Darling’s wife Elizabeth (after whom the inner-city suburb is named), Eliza pays homage to the vibrant, contemporary dining scene in the Harbour City with an innovative array of dishes.

The new haunt will see the familiar face of Jeremy Bentley back in the kitchen, the same executive chef who ran The Devonshire in neighbouring Surry hills for seven years. His new menu, created in collaboration with head chef Shaz Akbar, is a self-proclaimed collection of approachable but contemporary food, rooted in classic techniques. “We’ve created a place where we can offer interesting and well-executed food at a mid range price point,” says Bentley. “This is a restaurant for every occasion – a casual weekday venue for locals plus somewhere you would want to come and celebrate a special occasion.”

Guests can expect a menu laden with dishes designed to match well together. Chef recommendations include the likes of roasted pork belly, smoked almond and charred gem lettuce; curried baby corn, chickpea, coconut, lime and coriander; slow-cooked lamb shoulder, barbecue eggplant and rosemary, and raspberry tea crème brulee paired with milk sorbet. The accompanying wine list has been created so as to complement the food, with an obvious penchant towards South Australian drops (where both Bentley and his business partner Simon Rabbitt grew up).

Eliza is a warm new addition to urban Victoria Street. With not a smear of outlandish design instead, the eatery is instead awash with the soft hues of salmon and teal, accented by cognac leather and natural woods. Guests will be able to find themselves a seat at one of the many banquets or outdoor tables available, or choose instead to dine at one of the many seats that line the bar.

Eliza Food & Wine trades from 6.00pm till late Wednesday and Thursday, from 12.00pm till late Friday to Saturday, and from 12.00-4.00pm Sundays. 247 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst; elizafoodandwine.com.