Fan Favourite Belles Hot Chicken To Open Its First Full Restaurant-Style Venue in Circular Quay Next Month

Since storming the Sydney dining scene back in 2016, Melbourne-born Nashville-style chicken slinger Belles Hot Chicken has gathered a dedicated following for its no-nonsense comfort food and laid-back hospitality. Now the team is turning the concept around and launching its first refined restaurant-style venue down at Sydney’s Circular Quay.

The familiar warm tones, cork detailing, neon signage and vintage tiles that characterise Belles venues in Barangaroo and Tramsheds, as well as the flagship in Melbourne’s Fitzroy , will remain, along with the familiar Belles taste. Chicken tenders, thighs, wings and cauliflower will come with classic flavours of Chicken Salt, Original, Traveller, Hot and Really F**kin’ Hot. Then there are Nashville-style chicken sandwiches; sides of slaw, potato and gravy, and mac’n’cheese; as well as share plates if you’re coming with a crew.

But the Circular Quay concept departs from the rest of the Belles family by offering a fully fitted-out 130-seat restaurant, complete with some pretty incredible views of Sydney Harbour. The space – designed by Ewert Leaf (Lune) in collaboration with Belles design director Vicki Punch – is flooded with natural light, bespoke interior signage courtesy of Nick Cox (of Lucas and Trader House restaurant groups), permanent DJ decks and a chrome ceiling.

The wine list focuses on Australian producers, with a smattering of European drops – and some Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, if you fancy your chicken with champagne. Bourbon starts at $11 for the Woodford Reserve, topping out at a cool $95 for a nip of Pappy Van Winkle 20-year-old. There’s also a canned cocktail of rakija and tonic, created by Marrickville diner Baba’s Place, alongside the Belle’s Spritz, Prince’s Tea made with peach iced tea and Gospel rye, the Laneway Lemonade of Tito’s vodka, and the Arnaldo, a mix of iced tea, lemonade and Tromba tequila. You can get Belles Original Draught on tap or pick from a range of craft tinnies.

“There’ll be guaranteed good vibes, great drinks and f**kin hot chicken,” Belles managing director Joss-Jenner Leuthart said in a statement.

If that wasn’t enough to get you over the line, the team is also giving 100 followers the chance to experience the new diner at an exclusive preview dinner on March 2. Spots are limited, so make sure you register online by February 28.

Belles Circular Quay officially open its doors on Friday March 3 at 50 Bridge Street, Sydney CBD (entry via 12 Young Street).