Sydney’s hottest new dining destination just opened – and it’s huge

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
hero media
The Rocks has just been reborn as Sydney’s newest food and drink playground, thanks to the launch of The Collective.

A bold new hospitality precinct has arrived in Sydney – and it’s making The Rocks feel like the city’s freshest neighbourhood again. Taking over the iconic site that once housed The Argyle, The Collective , launched by Hunter St. Hospitality, is a sprawling 1800-square-metre precinct that reimagines historic sandstone buildings as some of the most exciting new places to eat and drink in the city.

At its heart? Five venues, three of them brand new. The Collective brings together the refined drama of The Dining Room , the leafy charm of The Garden and the intimate energy of Tailor Room , alongside fan-favourite institutions Saké and The Cut Bar & Grill .

Tailor Room The Collective precinct in the Rocks Sydney
Tailor Room serves a fabric-themed cocktail menu. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

“We saw a chance to do something special – breathing new life into heritage spaces that deserve to be experienced, not just admired," says Hunter St Hospitality CEO Frank Tucker.

“There’s a lot to uncover once you step inside, and we hope it becomes a hidden gem for anyone looking to see a different side of the city."

A precinct with personality

The Dining Room The Collective precinct in the Rocks Sydney
The Dining Room is quietly jaw-dropping. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Each venue in The Collective has its own distinct flair, but they’re united by smart design, serious culinary credentials and the kind of seamless storytelling that makes precinct-hopping a real experience.

The Dining Room is quietly jaw-dropping – a sandstone-and-leather transformation of an 1881 wool and textile store with a wine room that has a 500-bottle capacity and a menu that swings from baby abalone schnitzel to 1.5-kilogram wagyu MB9+ tomahawk steaks. Upstairs, a separate bar (open to all) pulses with low-key energy and native-ingredient cocktails in a space that used to be a nightclub – a subtle wink to the site’s former life as The Argyle, though now it leans more sultry lounge than late-night chaos.

The Garden, just next door, trades moody drama for alfresco charm – an open-air courtyard framed by olive trees, 150-year-old xanthorrhoeas and 19th-century walls. You’ll find everything from crab omelettes and Bloody Marys to king prawn rolls and cocktails under the stars.

And then there’s Tailor Room – a sleek 24-square-metre cocktail bar that’s already a contender for Sydney’s best date night spot. Inspired by the building’s textile past, it serves a fabric-themed cocktail menu with drinks like Silk, Denim and Corduroy, alongside salty house-made crisps and deep green velvet booths.

Why it matters

The Garden The Collective precinct in the Rocks Sydney
The Garden trades moody drama for alfresco charm. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

The launch of The Collective reflects a broader shift in Sydney’s hospitality scene – precincts are having a moment, and this one just raised the bar. Not only does it celebrate the historical charm of The Rocks, but it also gives locals and visitors a reason to return, linger and explore beyond the usual haunts.

From breakfast to last drinks, it’s a choose-your-own adventure where nothing feels cookie-cutter. It’s also a showcase of culinary talent, with chefs behind Rockpool, Quay and Spice Temple shaping the menus, and cocktail pros from award-winning bars across the globe shaking things up behind the scenes.

Whether you start the night with a negroni at Tailor Room, settle in for steak and wine at The Dining Room, or end up under the fairy lights in The Garden, The Collective is built for Sydney’s evolving appetite.

Address: The Collective, 12–18 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
See all articles
A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer
Sydney

A historic Sydney swim site just reopened in time for summer

Forget the beachside crowds and make a splash along the river instead.

Read more
Adina Town Hall one bedroom living room
Sydney

The Sydney CBD stay that feels more like your dream apartment

A night in the city that feels less like a hotel stay and more like slipping into your own Sydney sanctuary. 

Read more
Pool at The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection
Sydney

The Brighton Hotel brings resort-style luxury to Sydney’s south

Sydney’s south finally has its own slice of luxury. 

Read more
Wellness Afloat The Ark floating sauna in Sydney Harbour
Sydney

Sydney just scored a floating sauna with insane harbour views

This is set to be summer’s most talked-about wellness experience.

Read more
hero media

The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
    Continue
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.