Cafe Paci, Toko, Banksii, and More: Now on the Resy Hit List

So much of what we’ve missed about dining is epitomised by Toko; the ambience, effortless service, and sense of occasion are just a few things. The good news is that this sleek Japanese spot in Surry Hills reopens from Friday, with upscale izakaya dishes matched to winning cocktails fit for a celebration. Pro tip: First night back? Splurge on the chef’s selection of dishes to share — fresh Pacific oysters, tempura zucchini flowers, and unagi with torched foie — and upgrade to the wagyu striploin. 

Located on Bondi’s iconic Campbell Parade, Isabel’s outstanding cocktails and izakaya-inspired fare can be enjoyed at the bar or from the comfort of your home, with both available for home delivery. Take your pick between a Smoked Manhattan, Riberry Gimlet, or a classic Martini (among others), with a hand-cut ice sphere if you’re feeling fancy. A range of gyoza are also available, as is ramen; but if you’re willing to venture out, there are 4 or 6 course ‘kaiseki’ menus (cocktails with matched food), and a broader range of a la carte snacks.  

As restaurants slowly reopen, it’s heartening to see the establishments that have re-emerged from lockdown. Cafe Paci is the quintessential small business, with a fierce independence that percolates through its creative, borderless menu; chef-owner Pasi Petanen if Finnish, but dishes can reference, say, Vietnam or Mexico in the same dish. A few tables are available for dine in from Monday to Saturday evening (plus lunch on Saturday), and its excellent bakery is still open for take away. 

For reservations, call +61 2 9550 6196.

With two Sydney outposts, Khao Pla is a haven for contemporary Thai cooking. Chef Pla Rajratanavichai (who honed his skills at Australia’s most esteemed South-East Asian restaurants) has compiled a flavour-packed menu, comprising standout dishes that include an impressive grilled fish curry mousse wrapped in banana leaf; classic green curry with Thai eggplant, wild ginger, kaffir lime leaf and Thai basil; and Khao Pla’s renowned twice-cooked pork ribs with tamarind sauce. While they’ve reopened for dine in, take away and delivery are still available. 

For reservations, call 94124978 for Chatswood or 98894443 for Macquarie.

Located on the Barangaroo waterfront, Banksii is all about upscale dining in a casual atmosphere. Operated by a dynamic duo of Rebecca Lines and Hamish Ingham, the menu here is light & fresh — perfect for the waterside location. But those in the know come for vermouth; when it opened in 2016, Banksii was the first restaurant in Sydney to dedicate itself to the fortified wine. There are up to 30 vermouths served by the glass, and a selection is now available for home delivery, together with cocktails, a selection of pre-made meals, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and charcuterie.

Franca Brasserie is worth visiting for its incredible wine list as much as for its Franco-European cuisine. The wine list showcases French, Australian and New Zealand drops, celebrating small and sustainable wineries alongside a selection of rare aged wines. Then there are classic French cocktails, taking a cue from Parisian brasseries with an emphasis on seasonality. In addition to the a la carte and takeaway menus, there’s a dedicated vegan menu, a group set menu and even a cake menu. Pick up only.

Regarded as one of the world’s best dumpling restaurants (particularly for Shanghainese xiaolongbao), Din Tai Fung has a number of venues across Sydney and Melbourne, and they’ve certainly kept themselves busy throughout the uncertainty of the lockdown period, expanding their repertoire to include pick-up and home delivery (hot or frozen dumplings), as well as DIY Dumpling Kits. But if that’s all too much effort, you’ll be pleased to hear that the restaurants have now reopened for dine-in guests. 

Order takeaway and delivery here. 

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the Japanese-inspired Kid Kyoto boasts a seriously impressive selection of sakes and Japanese whiskeys, and 90s rock n’ roll on loop in the background; in other words, it’s the sort of place you’d want to settle in, and work your way through the menu. Start with tempura jalapeno poppers with kombu cream cheese, before moving onto the grilled king prawn with lime miso tare. Or, simply trust the experts and opt for one of the omakase options, with dishes selected by the chefs. 

Dimitri’s has been a pillar of inner Sydney dining since the 1970s, and today the offering revolves around wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, craft beer and natural wines. There’s an oven (transported brick-by-brick from Italy) and you won’t find any half-and-half pizzas here; but that’s where tradition ends. Highlights from the menu include the Bee Sting, with sweet tomatoes, sopressa, mozzarella and hot honey; The Bogan Rosa with marinated onions, rosemary, macadamia nuts and parmigiano; and the Brussle Crowe, topped with roasted brussel sprouts, caramelised onion, herbed ricotta, mozzarella and pancetta. Take away or dine in.

Open for takeaway, Shwarmama is about as good as fast food gets — simple, high quality kebabs, from a duo that count heavyweights like Poly, Esters, and Reuben Hills on their collective CV. The chicken shawarma and falafel are can’t-fail staples, but our pick is the sabich, a warm pita loaded with deep-fried eggplant, hummus and egg. A fine addition to the city’s kebab scene.  

Takeaway only.