Monopole will serve its final dinner on Saturday, 6 September, closing after 13 years as one of Sydney’s most acclaimed wine bars. Known for redefining the city’s wine scene and holding two hats for a decade, Monopole leaves behind a legacy of innovative dining and an award-winning wine list. While the lease has ended, the team hasn’t ruled out a future return.
As one chapter closes, another begins. The Bentley Restaurant Group is set to open Watermans at Barangaroo, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant led by chef Darryl Martin, previously of Barzaari. Located within the One Sydney Harbour development, just metres from the water, the new venue will seat 120 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces.
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Designed by Chris Grinham of H&E Architects with interiors by Pascale Gomes-McNabb, Watermans combines contemporary style with natural elements. The new venue will feature timber finishes, bespoke lighting and a striking open kitchen with a custom wood-fired grill. Outdoors, two greenery-covered pergolas will create a relaxed dining setting with harbour views.
The menu celebrates the flavours of the Levant, with a strong focus on seasonal Australian produce and vegetable-forward dishes. Opening highlights include warm hummus with green zhoug, labneh with salted cucumber and lemon jam, pickled watermelon and raw tuna salad with sumac, and Abrolhos scallops dressed in sweet and sour notes with sesame praline. Larger plates feature whole roasted John Dory with chermoula and pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder served with pickled radishes and black lime.
Watermans will open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, marking the group’s return to Barangaroo after a year that also saw the launch of Eleven Barrack.