The Wilmot restaurant opens in former Sydney Water Board HQ

Representatives for Chinese outfit Greenland International Hotels Group won't reveal how much was spent constructing the sparkly new Primus Hotel on Pitt Street, but the transformation of the grand 1930s Sydney Water Board HQ won't have come cheap. The development includes the must-have CBD accoutrement for 2016, a rooftop pool and bar, and while it is for use of hotel guests only, Sydneysiders can still get a taste of design firm Woods Bagot's retelling of the building with the restaurant now open. The eatery also finally has a name: The Wilmot.

Chef Ryan Hong (who arrives via stints at Rockpool Bar & Grill and Black by Ezard) is tackling territory often avoided by many new restaurants, with several main course prices creeping north of $40. Still, the produce looks good, with black lip abalone and wagyu flank on the opening menu. The Korean chef has also created an entree of Moreton Bay bug with edamame, peanut, lime and watermelon.