Chow down on XO pipis and a host of new favourites.
The clams with a cult following finally have their very own restaurant. XOPP (pronounced X-O-P-P) is the latest venture by the Golden Century gang, with the new Cantonese diner taking its name from the group’s X-factor dish. Spearheaded by second-generation restaurateur Billy Wong and son of original owners Eric and Linda, the cool new venue ushering in a new era for the Wong dynasty.
Golden Century chefs have worked alongside new recruits, including Zachary Ng from Sepia, to create a menu that marries old and new. The best of Golden Century has been brought over, namely the famed XO pipis with crunchy rice vermicelli, as well as the signature live seafood tanks. Diners will also be able to tuck into new dishes like steamed coral trout with Kurobuta guanciale, roasted short rib with Lao Gan Ma chilli sauce and typhoon shelter cauliflower with fried garlic and chilli. Desserts take on a contemporary riff with jasmine bubble tea pannacotta and a coconut ice cream bao sandwich.
A moody bar area will offer an intimate environment for wine and snacks. The bar menu will be made up of experimental small plates such as XO mayonnaise prawn rolls, scallop san choy bau and chicken liver parfait with Shaoxing wine and Chinese doughnuts, served alongside an extensive drinks list curated by wine merchant, Jon Osbeiston. The 250-strong wine list is a roll call of Australian classics, peppered with new-age varieties and styles. For the teetotalers, there’s loose-leaf Chinese tea.
Designed by Billy’s brother and head of Hong Kong-based Paring Onions Design, Alex Wong, the 160-seat restaurant marries the industrial bones of the building (exposed concrete, pipework and ducting) with a modern-Asian aesthetic, rich in timber, leather and natural woven details. Semi-recessed custom lighting features Chiang Mai Dragon-patterned fabric, while Magis Milà dining chairs and tangerine-hued dinnerware adds vibrant pops of colour.
XOPP is located at The Exchange, Mezzanine Level 1, Little Pier Street, Darling Square, Haymarket. It opens Mon–Sun 11:30am – 11pm. For more information or to book, head to xopp.com.au.
