Bungalow 8

A year after Dixon Hospitality (The Oxford Tavern, 12 Micron) picked Bungalow 8 out of the Keystone Group receivership in November 2016, the King Street Wharf eatery and club reopened with a new look and menu.

The food is inspired by a trip executive chef Justin Wise took to French Polynesia and a return to simple fare that focuses on fresh produce. Seafood is the star of the menu. There’s pan-seared mahi-mahi served with charred cauliflower and fennel; a grilled-calamari salad; and a brown rice and salmon poke bowl. There are also burgers and chips loaded with truffle oil and cheese. And a master-stock pork hock that’s braised for hours before it’s deep-fried and served with miniature pancakes, apple, cucumber and chilli. It’s suitable for sharing among a small group.

There’s still a large alfresco area overlooking Darling Harbour, but the space has been completely overhauled, and indoors it’s bright and open. The colour palette consists of pastels and white. Geometric charcoal and white tiles behind the bar have a charming, hand-painted feel.

In some circles, Bungalow 8 was beloved for its nightclub, The Loft. The upstairs venue has been renovated and now has a darker, sumptuous palette of plum, grey and timber.