Behind a royal blue and glass façade in London’s Soho sits The Palomar, a Mediterranean restaurant which brings influence from Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant to its plates. The restaurant has received acclaim, for its bold flavours and warm service, finding itself with Michelin Guide status.
Now, London-based hospitality siblings Layo and Zoe Paskin of Paskin Studio have brought the restaurant to Sydney, taking over the former Grand Pacific Blue Room space.
Sydneysider Mitch Orr (Kiln, Acme) has taken the helm as culinary director.
“The Palomar is about more than bringing a restaurant to a new city – it’s about creating a space that feels true to its surroundings while carrying the identity that makes the original so beloved,” says Orr.
The chef spent time working at The Palomar London alongside the Paskins.
“Working with Layo and Zoë means we’re building something layered: a menu that’s delicious as hell and a style of hospitality that feels alive in the moment but grounded in detail. For me, it’s important that it sits comfortably within Sydney’s dining culture,” says Orr.
Luke Davenport (Hubert, The Ledbury London, Noma Copenhagen) will work alongside Orr as head chef.
“My time in London with Studio Paskin was incredibly formative, and returning to The Palomar in Sydney is an opportunity to bring that experience here. Together with Mitch, we want to create a kitchen – bar where vibrant, flavourful dishes meet a dining experience that truly embodies the spirit and energy of The Palomar,” says Davenport.
The menu takes inspiration from its London counterpart, this time bringing Australian produce to the fore. A woodfire grill sits central to the kitchen, imparting smoky flavours on the menu of line-caught fish, local organic bread, and seasonal ingredients.
The menu features cucumbers with green tahini and crispy chilli oil, Berkshire pork chop with roasted grapes and sherry, butterflied blue mackerel with chermoula, grilled southern calamari with preserved lemon, and a pistachio ice cream baklava sandwich.
Th 110 seater restaurant is located at 7 Oxford Street Paddington. It opens Thursday 9 October.
