Overview
Randwick has just scored a new food precinct as the curtains lift on the first phase of its much-hyped lifestyle hub, Newmarket Dining. Inside, four new hospitality venues have already opened their doors, including a second outpost for Redfern's ever-popular ramen joint RaRa, with a stack more to come.
Decked out with lush gardens, al fresco dining areas and plenty of public space for barbecuing and picnicking, the fairy light-lit precinct has made its home in the heart of the suburb on Barker Street. And visitors are already met with a pretty diverse spread of food options, right from the get go.
RaRa's second eatery takes its ramen every bit as seriously as its sibling, boasting real-deal noodle-making machines imported from Japan. They're churning out fresh, springy noodles to star in the bowls of signature ramen and you can even watch all the magic unfold behind glass in the 'noodle room'. Larger than the original, the space nods to the izakayas of Tokyo, complete with bar seating and a healthy dose of glowing neon.
Baccomatto Osteria is the Italian of the bunch, moving into Randwick from its original Surry Hills digs, with its own strong following. Here, it's dishing up its legendary handmade pasta, with fan favourites starring alongside new Roman-style specials. Think, rigatoni with lamb ragu and artichokes, and a chargrilled pork cutlet matched with cannellini beans. It's also serving up Roman-style pizza by the slice, topped with the likes of bresaola, buffalo mozzarella and mushrooms.
Family-owned Cafe Mckenzie is brewing coffee alongside a Middle Eastern-inspired food offering, while a new outpost from cold-pressed juice crew Cali Press is your go-to for nutritious eats like smoothies and salad bowls.
An unconventional barbershop for guys and girls called Barber Signature is the precinct's first non-food offering. The full lineup of Newmarket Dining's residents will be unveiled in March.
Find Newmarket Dining at 154 Barker Street, Randwick. Check individual restaurant websites for opening hours.