Toko Surry Hills owner Matt Yazbek will open a new venue under CBD fine diner The Bridge Room, which in turn is poised to launch its own casual eatery.
Toko has been in protracted negotiations for the site, which has been plagued by delays and hold-ups.
Yazbek, in London for business, confirmed Toko will open in the basement site.
''We are very excited about the project and the space. It has a bar and sushi counter, also a Robata grill element."
This is the latest in a string of new ventures in the born-again northern end of the city where Fraser Short has also put in a DA for a 270-seat restaurant on Bridge Street.
The Bridge Room reopens today after a makeover, including a Tasmanian blackbutt floor laid to mirror the 1930s original.
There's also a new felt art piece.
Spotted touring CBD sites, Bridge Room co-owner Sunny Lusted confirmed a spinoff restaurant is brewing. ''The next restaurant will be more casual and relaxed than the Bridge Room and we are definitely focused on a city site,'' she says.
Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.
Sign up