Just Open: Balcon by Tapavino, Sydney CBD

Twelve months after he and his business partners offloaded Vincent, Buzo and Wine Library, Todd Garratt is back in the game. This time the chef is focused exclusively on the kitchen as executive chef at Balcon by Tapavino, which has just opened on Bligh Street.

The restaurant-wine bar is at the epicentre of Sydney CBD's electrified dining scene, located right near the entrance to the hottest ticket in town, Hubert. A spin-off to Circular Quay's sherry and wine bar Tapavino, Garratt is wading into Spanish waters.

"It's the sort of thing you find in Spain but not in Australia. Spanish here often follows the standard theme," argues owner Frank Dilernia. Balcon by Tapavino has 5000 bottles on site, tucked away in giant cages that shape the design. "We also have an 80-seat outdoor area, which the city clientele like after being in offices," Dilneria says. "There's bar-style steak by weight and grilled calamari with squid ink."

Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-11pm, Sat 6pm-11pm (with Saturday lunches soon)​

17 Bligh Street, Sydney, balcontapavino.com.au