Our Favourite New Venue Openings

New year, new venue inspiration. The tail end of 2025 saw an exciting collection of new openings across Australia, with 2026 heralding the unveiling of some much-anticipated spaces. From sleek restaurants to moody rooftop bars and entertainment precincts, there’s a space to suit your next event. 

We’ve gathered some of our favourite new venue openings to keep you inspired. 

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SYDNEY 

‍Jimmy’s Kitchen Bay εννέα

The Rocks 

Capacity: 40 

The latest offering from The Venues Collection, Jimmy’s Kitchen Bay εννέα brings the timeless taste of Greece to the doorstep of The Rocks. Expect hearty, traditional Greek flavours designed for feasting; slow-cooked lamb, grilled octopus and mezze, paired with a curated selection of Greek wines. Inside, the heritage character of Campbell’s Stores adds the magic touch, with bonus views across Sydney Harbour. Hosting up to 40 cocktail or 19 seated for an unforgettable dining experience, this new venue opening is a must-visit. 

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Aambra 

Rose Bay 

Capacity: 140 seated

The original stained glass windows and marble floor of the old Rose Bay Uniting Church are now the centrepiece of Aambra. This Levantine restaurant blends flavour and fire, with small plates spanning wagyu beef sfiha and whipped fetta, to woodfired lamb and fresh market fish. The space features both a stunning heritage interior and a wraparound deck, adorned with olive trees and lounge seating to set a truly picturesque backdrop. If you’re after delicious cuisine set within a piece of Sydney’s history, Aambra ticks all of the boxes. 

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BRISBANE 

The French Exit

Brisbane City 

Capacity: 80 seated 

A taste of Paris in Brisbane CBD, The French Exit combines style with delicious French cuisine. Candlelight meets marble tables and stained glass accents, creating a cosy dining experience. The menu itself is an ode to classic French cooking, complete with citrus seafood, roasted meats and decadent desserts. For wine-lovers, expect a 500-strong list spanning French and Australian producers. The semi-private alcove is perfect for intimate dining events of up to 25 guests. For larger celebrations sure to impress, the entire bistro can be exclusively hired for up to 80 guests.

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Above Rooftop Bar

Fortitude Valley

Capacity: 60 

Perched high above the Valley, Above Rooftop Bar is the latest addition to Ovolo The Valley. Soak up poolside city views in a Mediterranean-inspired oasis, complete with earthy tones and surrounding greenery. Bold Middle Eastern flavours span spiced lamb koftas, charred prawns and woodfired cooking, complemented by botanical cocktails. A mix of banquet, lounge seating, and high tables, offers a variety of layouts for guests to unwind, mingle and celebrate at your next event. 

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MELBOURNE 

Kingpin Melbourne 

Melbourne CBD 

Capacity: 1000

Opening its flagship entertainment precinct set within Collins Arcade, the latest Kingpin venue has everything you need for an event to remember. The Restaurant offers an open-plan kitchen, where a coal-fired pizza oven and herb wall bring to life an array of fresh plates, complete with a Cocktail Lounge & Bar. For team activities that truly impress, choose from 11 attractions, from bowling and darts to a battling cage designed to ramp up some friendly competition. If you’re after a taste of Melbourne’s renowned art scene, the immersive in-venue art exhibition is curated by a variety of local graffiti artists. For a truly VIP experience, Pins Royale hosts up to 200 guests and includes 2 private bowling lanes, 2 karaoke booths, 2 augmented darts booth and a bar. There’s plenty to see, do and experience to elevate your next event at Kingpin Melbourne. You can hire the entire venue exclusively for up to 1000 guests. 

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Disuko 

Melbourne CBD 

Capacity: 76 seated (Izakaya Lounge)

Inspired by 1980’s Tokyo, Disuko is the newest venue opening from the MAMAS Dining Group. Playful, vibrant and full of character, this restaurant and bar has a variety of spaces to discover. Dine on wagyu tataki and kingfish with up to 76 guests in the moody Izakaya Lounge, or host an intimate private dinner for up to 8 guests in the Half Moon Omakase. Blending expertly crafted Japanese cuisine with multi-level dining, Disuko ensures an unforgettable event.

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