Overview
The futuristic new Exchange building that's currently being built at Darling Square has been a long time coming, and information on what will be in the six-storey structure has come to us in dribs and drabs — but, as we edge closer to a mid-year opening date, more information on just what will be inside is coming to light. We already know that the Kengo Kuma-designed building will house a library and some pretty serious eats — and today, the final six eateries have been announced for The Exchange's food hub, Maker's Dozen.
Those that have just been added to the bill are Tramsheds' sustainable seafood shop Fish & Co, takeaway poke favourites Fishbowl, Chippendale's bubble tea cafe Bubble Nini and Sri Lankan hopper stand Hopper Kadé, which has just shut its shop in Darlinghurst to prepare for the move. Cabramatta's Vietnamese eatery Bau Truong will be opening its third outpost, and Tapavino will launch its fourth: Boque by Tapavino.
Bubble Nini bubble tea.
They join some of Sydney's most talked about restaurants, which have already been announced as part of the dozen. These include a new contemporary restaurant from late-night Chinatown institution Golden Century; a second outpost of Andy Bowdy's Saga; fusers of Japanese and Vietnamese goodness Mr. Bao Buns; a new bar and bottleshop from craft beer specialists Bucket Boys; and Pasta Wafu, an exciting new Japanese pasta shop created by Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines of Banksii and Kerby Craig of Ume.
When it opens later this year, the Maker's Dozen will open from dawn till late seven days a week, making sure that those who work or live around Haymarket, Ultimo and Darling Harbour always somewhere to go for brekkie, lunch, dinner, dessert or drinks. Anthony Gill Architects is taking care of the design, with a Japanese-inspired mix of natural materials, relaxing colours and tidy lines. There'll be seating for 400, giving you a choice of indoor and outdoor communal tables, as well as areas for the specific areas.
Maker's Dozen is slated to open in Darling Square's The Exchange in mid-2019. We'll update you as soon as further announcements are made.