Sydney’s culinary landscape is set to be redefined with the imminent arrival of The Palomar in Paddington – a gastronomic destination that promises to elevate the city’s fine dining scene to unprecedented heights. Slated to open in late 2025 within the newly established 25hours Hotel The Olympia, this restaurant marks the first Australian venture for the acclaimed London-based hospitality group, Studio Paskin. The Palomar has garnered international acclaim, holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2014, and now brings its signature blend of Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine to the heart of Sydney.
An Exclusive Dining Experience
The Palomar is poised to offer an intimate yet vibrant dining experience, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant. Central to its ethos is the art of cooking with fire – a primal, expressive technique that imparts depth, texture, and drama to every plate. The restaurant’s open kitchen design invites guests to witness this sensory theatre firsthand, turning each visit into a uniquely immersive experience.
Under the guidance of Executive Chef Mitch Orr, a Sydney native known for his fearless reinvention of Australian cuisine, the menu will be seasonal, expressive, and unapologetically luxurious. Expect rare heirloom produce, ethically sourced seafood, and pasture-raised meats, all paired with a dynamic wine list curated to complement the venue’s bold flavour profile. Diners can anticipate dishes that balance the raw, smoky simplicity of the fire with refined modern plating and global technique.
A Venue Steeped in Heritage
The restaurant occupies a prime location within the 25hours Hotel The Olympia at 1-11 Oxford Street, Paddington – an address rich in cultural significance. The former Olympia Theatre, originally opened in 1911, has been reimagined as a modern lifestyle hotel, preserving its Art Deco flourishes while embracing cutting-edge design. For the elite diner, the appeal goes beyond cuisine, The Palomar offers the rare privilege of dining within walls that have entertained Sydney’s cultural elite for over a century.
Tailored for the Discerning Palate
The Palomar’s interior, conceived in collaboration with internationally celebrated design studios, strikes the perfect balance between artistic expression and discreet opulence. Expect hand-blown glass lighting, Italian marble accents, and bespoke timber joinery, all selected with the sensibilities of a global luxury clientele in mind. Seating options are curated to create intimacy and privacy, including secluded booths, a chef’s table, and private rooms for corporate entertaining or high-profile gatherings.
For warmer months, the venue will extend into a private outdoor courtyard – an alfresco haven shaded by olive trees and backlit by the city’s golden dusk, ideal for long lunches and late evenings. Whether hosting an intimate celebration or a strategic business dinner, The Palomar offers an atmospheric setting where luxury and culture converge.
Elevated Hospitality
Beyond the menu and the interiors lies what many consider the true hallmark of ultra-luxury: impeccable, personalised service. The Palomar’s hospitality philosophy draws from Europe’s finest traditions, focusing on anticipation and discretion. Guests can expect private sommeliers, tailored tasting menus, and off-menu exclusives known only to those in the inner circle. The venue is also exploring membership-based dining privileges, further deepening its air of exclusivity.
Anticipated Opening
With doors expected to open in late 2025, The Palomar is set to usher in a new chapter for Sydney’s fine dining elite. Reservations will be highly coveted, with early interest already building among culinary insiders and global luxury travellers. As the only Australian outpost of the world-renowned Studio Paskin, The Palomar is poised not just to impress, but to redefine what high-end dining means in Australia. For those who seek dining not just as a meal but as a cultural, sensory and emotional experience. The Palomar will be nothing short of essential.
Written by: Cathy Yin
Published: 13th June 2025