Overview
You probably think about The Dolphin pub in Surry Hills in the same way you think about your local Starbucks chain… has various amenities, there when you need an average bev, not explicitly offensive but is taking up some valuable real estate that could be used for something much more creative. Well, that something is coming to The Dolphin (you'll still have to put up with Starbucks though). Stepping up to the pub reno plate? Restaurant mover-and-shaker Maurice Terzini.
One of Australia's influential foodie heavyweights, Terzini is reinvigorating the Surry Hills pub (we gave you the heads up back in March). He's had a hand in some of Australia's biggest culinary successes, including Icebergs and Da Orazio Pizza and Porchetta, so we have faith that The Dolphin (who, like all contemporary babes is keeping its name) can only get better from here. The tentative reopening date is June, pushed back from its original April soft opening date.
The Dolphin Hotel now features three distinct spaces: the 'Dining Room', 'Wine Room' and a public bar with an openair terrace. Friend and artist-in-residence Beni and sculptor/installation artist Tracey Deep have revamped the space, which is apparently inspired by George Livissianis's design philosophy — he did Apollo, Cho Cho San, Billy Kwong, so he knows what he's talking about.
Executive chef Monty Koludrovic leads a team of more than 30 chefs, including Dan Medcalf (Icebergs) as head chef of the Dining Room, and Sam Cheetham (ex-Becasse and Victoria Room) as head chef of the Wine Room. Terzini and his team have said they'll be trading in the old menu (which was packed with upmarket pub staples – chicken schnitty, burgers and steak) with modern Australian-Italo fare including some famous dishes from Terzini's Caffe e Cucina. We'll also keep our fingers crossed for Da Orazio-style pizza.
Drinks-wise, James Hird (2015 Sommelier of the Year) is now wine director at The Dolphin, Icebergs, and Da Orazio, and Lenny Opai (Icebergs/Bayswater Brasserie) is in charge of cocktails.
The Dolphin will open early June. Images: Tom Ferguson.