Ever since news broke of the closure of Neil Perry’s Eleven Bridge, interest has been mounting as to its replacement. Now the wait is over with Jade Temple set to open on July 3.

An older sister to Perry’s other venture Spice Temple, the 120-seat venue is a sophisticated take on Cantonese dining that pays homage to Hong Kong cuisine. The inner-city restaurant is a seasonally driven menu that is intended to be shared – there are of course also banquet options that will set you back between $75 and $95.

Classic Cantonese dishes sit centre stage on the menu, crafted with some of the best sustainable local produce around. Hero dishes include char siu and whole roast duck, as well as fresh seafood from the tank, wok-tossed, and old-favourite lemon chicken.

For Rockpool Dining Group Culinary and Brand Director Neil Perry the focus on premium produce was very important. “Cantonese food is very produce driven and at Jade Temple we will present some wonderful classic dishes, some that may even seem a cliché such as sweet and sour pork, lemon chicken, and honey prawns, but are classic for a reason,” he said. “When cooked well, with beautiful produce, they sing.”

What also makes Jade Temple a stand-out from your typical Cantonese restaurant is its seemingly endless drinks offering. There is a 300-strong wine list specially picked to enhance the cuisine, featuring Australian favourites, Loire Valley whites, Austrian and German whites, red and white Burgundy, and Rhone Valley reds. There are also cocktails aplenty, many of which are named after mythical characters from Chinese folk lore and feature house-made ingredients, syrups and infusions with a self-proclaimed Chinese tiki spin.

When it comes to its interiors there is little trace of former eatery Eleven Bridge having ever existed. Inspired by Chinese nostalgia, designer Grant Cheyne has decked the space with elegant folding screens, duck drying cabinets, plantation shutters, Chinese motifs and plenty of bamboo shades.

Jade Temple also marks the first opening of a restaurant concept as a combined group for Rockpool. “This is an amazing time for our group as we add another memorable brand to our premium restaurant portfolio,” said Rockpool Dining Group Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pash. “We believe Jade Temple will resonate well in Sydney and will have enormous potential to expand into other markets.

“We’re very much looking forward to showcasing our amazing Cantonese food, innovative and fun cocktails, and outstanding wine list, and showing our guests another world-class dining experience.”