Matt Moran’s Circular Quay fine diner Aria, known for its front-row views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, will finally reopen tomorrow for the first time since March. While it’s relaunching with its respected modern-Australian menu, it’s got a big change lined up for later this year.

In late 2020, a section of the restaurant – which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year – will be transformed into a wine bar. The restaurant traditionally relies on 30 per cent of its business coming from overseas visitors; the wine bar is an attempt to fill in that gap, especially as international borders remain closed.

Not only will guests have the run of a wine list that has 80 by-the-glass options and 1700 bottles, but they can also enjoy their vino with bar snacks from Aria’s head chef Joel Bickford. Dishes at the wine bar will err on the casual, but still use the same top-notch produce as the restaurant proper. As an added bonus, you’ll be able to drop in for a wine or cocktail without a booking, making it a cheaper and easier option than the usual, upmarket Aria experience.

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“The team and I are delighted to be able to open our doors again and bring the very best in fine dining experience to Sydney,” Moran said in a statement. “The coronavirus has affected us like many others and the break has really challenged us to think about what’s next for Aria. We knew that in order to sustain Aria’s future we had to evolve our experience.”

Aria’s wine bar will open in late 2020.