Sydney's Rockpool to Close and Reopen as More Casual Restaurant

It's hard to say where Sydney's dining scene is headed at the moment, but one thing's for sure — fine dining is fading. While the opening of swanky-but-casual eateries like Restaurant Hubert, Mercado and Bistrot Gavroche in Sydney and Ôter and Entrecôte in Melbourne suggest an era of European bistros, in the last few weeks alone we've had news that Sydney's Sepia and Marque will be closing, and Andrew McConnell's Moon Under Water will be transforming into a more casual Chinese eatery. The latest to flick away the fine dining title? Neil Perry's Rockpool Est. 1989.

In a statement released this morning, owners Perry and Trish Richards announced they will be closing their flagship restaurant on Saturday, July 30. They won't be moving out of the space though — they'll reopen just over a week later on Monday, August 8 as the more casual, a la carte Eleven Bridge.

"Rockpool has been our flagship restaurant for almost three decades," said Perry. "We're moving away from that traditional concept of fine dining but maintaining all the elements that are crucial to great dining; excellent produce and service, and a contemporary style."

For anyone confused, Rockpool Est. 1989 is the one located on Bridge Street in Sydney's CBD. Part of the reason for decided to close the restaurant is that their second Sydney venue, Rockpool Bar & Grill, is located super close by on Hunter Street. Perry also has another Rockpool Bar & Grill in Melbourne's Crown complex.

So for anyone looking to have one last (or first) steak at the almost-thirty-year-old restaurant, you've only got two more months to do so. Godspeed.

Rockpool Est. 1989's last service will be dinner Saturday, 30 July, with Eleven Bridge opening on Monday, 8 August. For more info or to make a booking, visit rockpool.com.