This two-hat Sydney favourite once set the standard—now it’s closing its doors
- Replies 3
One of Sydney’s most celebrated French dining institutions is preparing to serve its last meal.
Monopole, a restaurant renowned for its award-winning wine list and refined atmosphere, confirmed it would soon close its doors.
The announcement stunned loyal patrons who had followed the venue from its Potts Point beginnings to its striking CBD location overlooking Australia Square.
Owners Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt revealed the decision this week, pointing to lease difficulties as the reason behind the closure.
‘We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved at Monopole, both in the original Potts Point location and the CBD, an enormous amount of talent has graced both the kitchen and the floor,’ the pair said in a joint statement.
They described the restaurant as a pioneer in Sydney’s dining scene, noting it ‘was a groundbreaking wine bar when we opened it and has always pushed the envelope, holding two hats for 10 years and winning multiple awards for its wine list.’
Originally located in Potts Point, the venue moved into the CBD in late 2020, offering diners an elegant experience marked by white tablecloths, velvet curtains and vintage French posters.
Its menu showcased French bistro traditions while allowing for bold reinterpretations.
Highlights included the Soupe V.G.E.—a rich beef consommé with black truffle and foie gras beneath golden puff pastry—and the Boudin Blanc de Homard, a refined marron sausage served in shellfish bisque.
Despite the closure, Savage and Hildebrandt hinted the Monopole name might not disappear forever.
‘While we’re sad that the lease has finished, we will never say never for a Monopole in the future,’ they said.
The restaurant is part of the Bentley Restaurant Group, which also runs Bentley Restaurant and Bar, King Clarence, Eleven Barrack and Brasserie 1930.
The final service at Monopole will take place on 6 September.
But while the French favourite bows out, the duo confirmed a new project is already on the horizon.
They announced the upcoming launch of Watermans at Barangaroo, a 120-seat Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that blends indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
Chef Darryl Martin, known for his work at Barzaari, will serve as executive chef.
‘I’m thrilled to welcome Darryl into the Bentley Group family,’ Savage said.
‘The menu for Watermans is inspired by the cuisine of the Levant and highlights the best of Australian produce.
‘It has a strong emphasis on vegetable-forward dishes and it’s been fun to collaborate with Darryl, whose cooking I’ve long admired, especially his work at Barzaari.’
Diners can expect plates such as warm hummus with green zhoug, labneh with salted cucumber and lemon jam, and pomegranate glazed slow-cooked lamb shoulder with pickled radishes and black lime.
Restaurant closures have become an all-too-familiar story in recent years, with even acclaimed venues struggling to keep their doors open.
Just as Monopole prepares to serve its last meal, another much-loved spot has also announced an emotional farewell.
If you’re interested in how diners and owners are coping with these changes, here’s one story that struck a chord.
Read more: Popular eatery faces sudden closure amid heartfelt farewell
As one Sydney dining chapter closes, another begins—will Watermans capture the same loyal following that Monopole did?
Monopole, a restaurant renowned for its award-winning wine list and refined atmosphere, confirmed it would soon close its doors.
The announcement stunned loyal patrons who had followed the venue from its Potts Point beginnings to its striking CBD location overlooking Australia Square.
Owners Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt revealed the decision this week, pointing to lease difficulties as the reason behind the closure.
‘We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved at Monopole, both in the original Potts Point location and the CBD, an enormous amount of talent has graced both the kitchen and the floor,’ the pair said in a joint statement.
They described the restaurant as a pioneer in Sydney’s dining scene, noting it ‘was a groundbreaking wine bar when we opened it and has always pushed the envelope, holding two hats for 10 years and winning multiple awards for its wine list.’
Monopole bows out after lease struggles. Image source: Instagram/bentleyrestaurantgroup
Originally located in Potts Point, the venue moved into the CBD in late 2020, offering diners an elegant experience marked by white tablecloths, velvet curtains and vintage French posters.
Its menu showcased French bistro traditions while allowing for bold reinterpretations.
Highlights included the Soupe V.G.E.—a rich beef consommé with black truffle and foie gras beneath golden puff pastry—and the Boudin Blanc de Homard, a refined marron sausage served in shellfish bisque.
Despite the closure, Savage and Hildebrandt hinted the Monopole name might not disappear forever.
‘While we’re sad that the lease has finished, we will never say never for a Monopole in the future,’ they said.
The restaurant is part of the Bentley Restaurant Group, which also runs Bentley Restaurant and Bar, King Clarence, Eleven Barrack and Brasserie 1930.
The final service at Monopole will take place on 6 September.
But while the French favourite bows out, the duo confirmed a new project is already on the horizon.
They announced the upcoming launch of Watermans at Barangaroo, a 120-seat Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that blends indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
Chef Darryl Martin, known for his work at Barzaari, will serve as executive chef.
‘I’m thrilled to welcome Darryl into the Bentley Group family,’ Savage said.
‘The menu for Watermans is inspired by the cuisine of the Levant and highlights the best of Australian produce.
‘It has a strong emphasis on vegetable-forward dishes and it’s been fun to collaborate with Darryl, whose cooking I’ve long admired, especially his work at Barzaari.’
Diners can expect plates such as warm hummus with green zhoug, labneh with salted cucumber and lemon jam, and pomegranate glazed slow-cooked lamb shoulder with pickled radishes and black lime.
Restaurant closures have become an all-too-familiar story in recent years, with even acclaimed venues struggling to keep their doors open.
Just as Monopole prepares to serve its last meal, another much-loved spot has also announced an emotional farewell.
If you’re interested in how diners and owners are coping with these changes, here’s one story that struck a chord.
Read more: Popular eatery faces sudden closure amid heartfelt farewell
As one Sydney dining chapter closes, another begins—will Watermans capture the same loyal following that Monopole did?
.png){kind=icon}
