Love on a Plate at Sydney’s District Dining

When Warren Turnbull of the two-hatted restaurant Assiette (map) met Mimi Gilmour, a chef who’s worked at New Zealand’s Ponsonby Road Bistro (map) and Magnum (map), it was a meeting of two food-loving hearts. They’re busy planning their wedding, but they’ve somehow found time to open the new District Dining restaurant together.

The Surry Hills eatery actually used to be a gambling hall, but it’s been given a slick new makeover. While the interior is sophisticated, the dishes are approachable and made for sharing. It makes sense; Warren and Mimi came together over food and they want their guests to do the same thing.

Most meals are served on wooden sharing boards, which can be easily passed around between the people in your party. Dishes like pork belly with fennel salt, lime, and kimchi, and king crab sweet corn fritters are making my mouth water. The blackboard specials make use of what’s in season, so there’s always something new to try.

Trading hours: Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 3 pm for lunch and 6 pm to 11 pm for dinner. Also open Fridays from noon to 11 pm
Location: District Dining (map)
Address: 17 Randle Street, Surry Hills
Public transport: Catch a train to Central Station. The restaurant is a short walk away
Parking: Limited street parking nearby
Cost: Mains cost between $15 and $25
Website: http://www.districtdining.com.au/

Image source: David Siqueira @ Stock.xchng