South Eveleigh—a stretch of industrial warehouses between Redfern Station and the train tracks that roll into the city—is Sydney’s newest dining precinct.
Since 2016, Mirvac has been transforming railway sheds and restoring heritage buildings into what’s now called Locomotive Street, and it’s full steam ahead with new restaurants, bars, and shops throwing open their doors across the last few weeks, as well as this month, and into May.
The top-billed venues at South Eveleigh are a brand new casual eatery from the precinct’s newly minted ambassador, the one-and-only Kylie Kwong (slated to open in May), and a super impressive sustainable concept from Maurice Terzini and Scout’s Matt Whiley: the world’s first permanent no waste bar (due to open very, very soon).
As for what’s already happening and open for business at South Eveleigh, you’ll find the pint-sized sister of Redfern’s beloved RaRa Ramen. Called (chan being the word for little sister in Japanese), this baby ramen bar specialises in Tsukemen—a sort of deconstructed ramen invented in the 60s that involves dipping your noodles and toppings in a separate bowl of broth. Made with large, chewy noodles, pork chashu, and a rich, thick broth, and yes—this will be our winter staple as the temp drops in coming months.
RaRa Chan is also plating up a chicken katsu curry and a vegan rice bowl, and is open for lunch Monday through Saturday, and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Also open now and serving winter-ready noodle soup at South Eveleigh is a new outpost for . Head here for top-notch pho, as well as Vietnamese staples like banh mi, rice paper rolls, and a delicious crispy pancake too. You can get your poke bowl fix at , sample some Egyptian fusion at , and pick up the freshest of fresh seafood at Steve Costi’s .
And still to come this month is a fancy supermarket slash foodie concept store. A follow up to the recently opened in the CBD, Rome's Food Hall IGA will feature a pizzeria, patisserie, sushi bar, roastery, and florist. Later in the year, we can expect a newbie from The Grounds—their third cafe and an event space.
Alongside all the new eats, South Eveleigh also features a stunning rooftop garden, created by Jiwah, an Indigenous cultural and landscape design firm run by Clarence Slockee, and a few public art pieces, curated by Carriageworks. You may have already spotted the curious-looking Eveleigh Treehouse by Nell and Cave Urban.
For more details on South Eveleigh, .
Now, suss out where to find Sydney's best sausage rolls.
Image credit: Kitti Gould