Sydney Institution The Malaya Is Moving to Grosvenor Place After Two Decades on King Street Wharf
Founded by merchant seaman Wong Tai See in 1963, this eatery has played a vital role in Sydney's culinary story — and now it's time for a new chapter.
For over two decades, The Malaya has kept customers happy with abundant Malaysian, Nonya and Indonesian cuisine on Darling Harbour. However, the time has come to explore the restaurant's next chapter, with a relaunch at Grosvenor Place in the CBD on the cards for April. Though long-time fans will undoubtedly be sad, there's still plenty of time to say goodbye to the King Street Wharf dining room, with the final service being held on Saturday, March 29.
While the decision to move was not made lightly, The Malaya's new residence offers the chance to expand its service. Featuring two levels with space for 180 guests, third-generation stewards Duan and Isabella Wong assure guests the same bold flavours and welcoming experience await in the new setting. Yet there are some new additions, with tasty live seafood options and an elevated wine and beverage program complementing the kitchen's renowned food.
Meanwhile, the larger restaurant also allows for two semi-private dining spaces, seating up to 30 and 50 guests. Whether you're hosting an intimate birthday celebration or need a delicious spot for a corporate event, an inviting design produced in collaboration with boutique firm Anouk & Co carefully balances modern elegance with a familiar warmth that the restaurant's most loyal diners will instantly recognise.
The Malaya's history stretches much further back than its Darling Harbour location. Founded by Wong Tai See in 1963, the merchant seaman originally opened the restaurant on George Street in the CBD, bringing spicy cuisine to a largely unfamiliar crowd at the time. Over the years, the joint has become a go-to destination for Southeast Asian dining in Sydney, with over eight million customers wandering through its doors.
"We've loved our time at King Street Wharf," says Duan Wong. "But moving to the heart of the CBD allows us to better serve our guests and reconnect with a more dynamic dining neighbourhood. We might be leaving the water views behind, but we're gaining something just as special – two levels of dining and an outdoor terrace with a rooftop feel that brings a whole new energy to the venue."
Just the latest move in the venue's long and winding history, The Malaya is bound for a bright future in Grosvenor Place, back on the same street where the restaurant's story began. Reflecting the family's fascinating place in Sydney's culinary history, cherished favourites like laksa, beef rendang, Szechuan eggplant and otak-otak aren't going anywhere. Plus, some of the design details are set to remain too, with the same Finnish doors making the trip to the new restaurant.
The Malaya will reopen at Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street, Sydney in April. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Jacs Powell / Jason Loucas.
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