Matt Moran and Solotel’s Barangaroo House fine diner Bea had its final service on Sunday, to make way for a new concept: Rekodo, a Japanese-style restaurant and listening bar. Set to open on September 16, it’s an homage to the jazz kissa (listening bars) of Japan – bars that play a curated selection of vinyl records through top-quality audio equipment. Along with a banging soundtrack, hand-picked each month by a rotating line-up of artists, Rekodo will serve Japanese-inspired dishes, and a range of sake, Japanese whisky and cocktails.

Musician Meg Mac is the first guest vinyl selector. She’s chosen tunes by Sam Cooke, Amy Winehouse, Dusty Springfield, Jimi Hendrix and Leon Bridges. She’ll be followed by Italo-funk artist Donny Benét in October and enigmatic dance-pop duo Lazywax in November. Plus, resident DJs – including Ayebatonye, Adi Toohey and the Soul of Sydney collective – will be on the decks from Thursday to Sunday.

Chef Paddy McDermott (ex-Pirata Group Hong Kong, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong) has been enlisted to create a fun, Japanese-inspired menu, which also takes cues from other cuisines including Korean. For example, a take on taiyaki (fish-shaped waffles) features kimchi and cheese. Visit for DIY tuna belly, avocado and roe hand rolls, and modanyaki (okonomiyaki, or savoury pancake, with noodles). Opt for à la carte, or go for the omakase option and let the chefs choose your meal for you.

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To match, there’ll be a range of sakes served tableside by the glass, in flights, or in cocktails, as well as 50-plus Japanese whiskies, a range of beers, and old- and new-school Aussie and European wines, as well as a handful of drops from Japan.

The level 1 space will transition from its old fine-diner mode to a multipurpose restaurant, bar and performance space thanks to H&E Architects (Chiswick, Barangaroo House, Lola’s Level 1). The DJ stage will be in pole position, bordered by booths, high bar and kitchen seating, and low tables, seating up to 140 people altogether. The action will flow onto the outdoor terrace, with its views over the harbour. Neon lights, pops of colour and noren (fabric dividers) will evoke the night life of Tokyo’s Harajuku district.

Barangaroo House’s ground-floor bar House and rooftop bar Smoke will both remain untouched.

Rekodo is set to open on September 16. Reservations are now open.

barangaroohouse.com.au
@barangaroohouse

This article was updated on August 17 to clarify that the menu not only takes inspiration from Japanese cuisine but also Korean cuisine, in particular a dish featuring kimchi – a traditional Korean dish.