Just Open: Assembly, Sydney CBD

Is 2016 the year Sydney bar operators add restaurateur en masse to their resumes? It's certainly feeling that way in the CBD, with Assembly Bar the first of several boozers to open a restaurant sibling.

Assembly, an Italian restaurant spin-off to the award-winning Assembly cocktail bar, opened its doors January 14 at 488 Kent Street. The restaurant accoutrement is the latest must have among bar operators in downtown Sydney, with the owners of Baxter Inn poised to open Hubert, and Spanish wine specialist Tapavino opening a spin-off restaurant and wine bar in early 2016.

With bars considered an easier road to profit than restaurants, the move is an interesting one. However, Assembly believes its assembled drinkers can be lured across to the adjacent new eatery. The menu, created by chef Nick Pulcher (Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta) tours Italy, his housemade black ink tagliolini served alongside a Neapolitan pizza menu from Antonio Buonomo.

The style is industrial, the cutlery Italian and the tiles Spanish. You'll still be able to get a drink, with an Italian and Australian wine list but only after early February, as the restaurant has been faced with a licensing delay.

Open daily 12pm-late.

488 Kent Street, Sydney, 0400 932 738, assemblybar.com.au