Circular Quay Is Getting a Huge New (and Actually Good) Dining Precinct

If you've spent one too many nights wandering hungry around Circular Quay, dodging dodgy fish and chips and bad pizza, you'll welcome this news. The watery end of Sydney's CBD is finally sorting itself out, scoring a slew of decent eateries. It's part of a new $60 million development on Alfred Street, and it will be called Gateway Sydney. Doors open in September.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Neil Perry will be headlining, with a second incarnation of his Burger Project, which is just one of the new venues he plans to roll out this year. He'll be shoulder to shoulder withfan favourite Chat Thai. But the first thing you'll see when you step inside will be yet another Gelato Messina (sorry Gelatissimo), followed by Four Frogs Creperie and a new outlet for Adriano Zumbo's pastries. You'll be able to match your choice with a coffee from Canberra's Espresso Room, who are 2015 World Barista champions.

But that's not all. Remember that new rooftop venue that Salt Meats Cheese and Shuk last month announced they'll be opening later this year? That'll be located in the upper levels of Gateway Sydney. On ground level, there'll be Din Tai Fung's handmade dumplings, Indian Street Food by Bilu's, The Gozleme Co. and a 50-seater sushi experience by Hero Sushi Train. All in all, more than 25 venues will be opening and they'll be serving seven days a week from early until late.

The project is being developed by DEXUS Development Group, and the DEXUS Wholesale Property Fund own 100 percent of the new precinct. "The intent was to open up the Circular Quay end of the CBD, which we have done with great respect to the existing environment," said Liann Lim, development manager for city retail at DEXUS. "The surrounds set a spectacular stage for a dramatic dining experience to unfold, with each of our retailers serving their dishes with an element of theatre."

Architects Woods Bagot have taken care of the design. Expect internal alleyways leading to light, airy spaces. From level one, you'll be looking over Loftus Street's Jessie Street Gardens, named after one of Sydney's most important feminists and human rights activists.

So is this the start of Circular Quay's renaissance? It could well be. Last week the Pullman opened Hacienda — an impressive new vista bar overlooking the harbour — and the aforementioned Popina will open in October. Finally it looks like Bulletin Place will be getting some company.

The first round of Gateway Sydney venues are set to open in September, with more to come in October. For more info on the development, visit gatewaysydney.com.au.