Huge new Kogarah RSL to push into serious food territory

Kogarah doesn't get nearly enough love with food news, but we can report the southern Sydney suburb is about to get a slick new Chinese restaurant.

When the Pearl opens next month the promise is cutting-edge design, a red and black colour palette and District 8 chef Stevenson Su in the kitchen.

Pearl will push a "more modern 'young-cha' concept". It is part of an $83-million project, which saw the demolition of the Kogarah RSL Club.

The club will return with apartments above it and a serious push into food. Jonathan Berry, ex-group chef of the Boathouse Group, has joined the development.

As well as the Chinese restaurant, there will be Blake Street Kitchen, which has street access, serving modern Australian fare and the Clubhouse Bar, with more of a tapas-style menu. Berry says a lot of thought has gone into the design.

"The concept is you won't know you are in an RSL. It's a great venue."