New on Resy: Taqiza, Son of Frank, Chica Bonita CBD

An excellent addition to Bondi’s Mexican dining scene, Taqiza’s tiny kitchen cranks out addictive plates of Oaxacan queso fondues and tacos, painstakingly made using traditional methods. A cosy bolthole perfect for intimate get-togethers, weekends are primetime for cocktails and roll-your-sleeves up eats (its name does mean ‘taco party’, after all), while a relaxed pace earlier in the week makes it perfect for catchups and casual hangs. 

This discreet Japanese spot’s coolly modern interior — all brooding, naked concrete and sensual timber — makes it a brilliant addition to Newtown. Expect creative Japanese small plates, ordered with iPads and presented with panache; or simply grab a chashu ramen with ice-cold beer. There’s a long bar for solo dining and moody booths for a crew, making it a solid go-to for both drop-ins and extended, sake-fuelled sessions.  

A good-time Spanish taberna tucked away from the main street in Circular Quay, clued-up locals hit Tapavino to sit elbow-to-elbow with other patrons and eat great tapas — think glossy, lustworthy Iberico pata negra, razor clams and broad beans, or immaculately fresh sardines with pine nuts and good olive oil. There’s a biblical sherry and wine collection that’s surely one of the most comprehensive in the city, which comes as little surprise when you consider it’s Australia’s first dedicated sherry bar.

If you’ve been schlepping to Manly to get your taco fix at beloved local spot Chica Bonita, there’s good news — they’ve gone and opened one in the CBD. There’s a downtown polish to this modern diner which, like its sibling, serves some of the city’s best Mexican food with a twist (prepared by Pujol alum Alejandro Huerta); along with those fish tacos, expect a raft of thrilling dishes like duck carnitas laced with sour cherries and orange zest, a wine list with drops from Mexico and California along with local varietals, and of course, margaritas for days. 

NOLA hides its baller credentials from the street, but it’s decadence is revealed as soon as you step through the doors of its private lift — a luxe dining room stacked with leather banquettes, shimmering walls of American whisky, and sweeping views of the Barangaroo waterfront. That smell? That’ll be the smokehouse out back, sending out plates of tea-brined barbecue chicken, perfectly smoked brisket and ribs, and oysters Rockefeller. Throw on whatever makes you feel good, order a Sazerac at the bar, and prepare to commit to an evening of delicious excess. 

Perfect for taking a time out and watching Victoria Street go by, Son of Frank’s M.O. is easy-as-you-like all day plates of seasonal Italian-ish cooking in a minimal, relaxed dining room. There’s a pretty courtyard out back and, this being Darlo, there’s a pretty impressive bottomless brunch at the weekends, replete with spritzes and cocktails galore. The mortadella and provolone ‘Reuben’ and eggs spiked with ‘nduja sausage are as addictive as it gets, while a rum baba with citrus custard and luxurious jam is absolutely worth getting out of bed for. 

Taking a cue from the moody, lamplit bars of New Orleans’ French Quarter, this excellent cocktail bar hides in plain sight beneath a King Street sandwich shop. Think sunken leather chairs, bare wooden floors, and a backlit bar of premium American whiskies and spirits that encourage lingering, where a quick stop can easily turn into a whole night. As well as the bar’s excellent gin fizz, Sazeracs and bespoke cocktails, there’s a light list of sharing platters and a single, perfect toasted sandwich, stacked with spiced wagyu and oozing with cheddar and raclette cheese.