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Winter 2026 update: Grilled bread topped with whipped cod roe, plump, sweet tomatoes and white anchovies. Creamy stracciatella with persimmon, smoked almonds and nasturtium. Mafaldine with a lush, milk-braised pork ragu with sage and pecorino. Sounds like something you’d like to snack on after work with a chilled red? Me too.
These are a few of the new plates on the line-up at New York-inspired bar and restaurant Arms Length in Potts Point. That’s because former The Waratah and Three Blue Ducks chef Dipti Karnad is now leading the kitchen of the Kellet Street spot.
“The wine bar concept is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do,” Dipti says.
“There’s both that community feel and a focus on creating technical dishes that showcase beautiful Australian produce, but it isn’t restricted to fine dining.
“The variety of the different spaces – from the front room and bar to the outdoor terrace and booths – means you can sit for hours over a few bottles of wine and share plates and just enjoy the vibe,” she adds.
Arms Length first opened in Redfern in 2021 by sisters and hospo pros Rebecca O’Shea, Rosie O’Shea, Danielle Sue and her husband, former Ormeggio at The Spit chef Jeff Sue, before moving to Potts Point in 2024.
“We like to describe it as elevated comfort food, but Arms Length is also the type of place where you’re welcome to come just for drinks, like you’d do in downtown New York,” says Jeff.
As well as Australian wines, the drinks menu features a dedicated Martini menu, with fun options like Yuzu and Lychee Martinis and a Banana Espresso Martini.
There’s a bunch of fab offers to entice you in, from $19 pasta and wine every Tuesday, $29 steak frites and wine on Wednesdays, and $15 mini-meal Thursdays.
Plus, there’s a $49 express set menu, featuring your choice of two courses and a glass of house wine, available Monday nights and Friday lunches.
Make a booking here.
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Kings Cross has just got a new neighbourhood joint. Remember where Dean’s Lounge used to be? It’s now home to a café, restaurant and bar all rolled into one. Say hello to Arms Length.
Having the experience of running Bar Nina under their belt, the dynamic sister duo of Rebecca (former Rockpool Dining Group director) and Rosie O’Shea have just opened the day-to-night venue on Kellett Street – the same place you'll find Ezra and Bar Lucia – in early August. Rebecca said: “We’ve seen first-hand how food and drink can spark connections and bring people together. We can’t wait to bring this same energy to a new corner of Sydney!”
The kitchen is in the good hands of head chef Keno Perlas (ex-Monopole, Margaret) and executive chef Jeffrey Sue (ex-Rockpool, Ormeggio, China Doll). They’ve crafted an Australian/Italian-inspired menu that’s a perfect mix of comforting and exciting.
When it comes to versatility, Arms Length has got it in spades. While the daytime offering includes coffee and brekkie options, the main drawcard is the very affordable bottomless brunch. From 8am to 2pm every day of the week, you can take advantage of 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails for $29 per person when you order a brunch main. How about their signature Garibaldi that’s made with Australian aperitif Rhubi and fresh orange juice to go with your freekeh salad or French toast?
As the sun goes down, Arms Length shape shifts into a cocktail bar with happy hour and bar snacks to share. Dinner is all about comfort food – steak frites with peppercorn sauce or a bowl of casarecce pasta with Skull Island prawns, anyone? They’ve even got you covered if you’re celebrating a special occasion; indulge in a ‘Supper Soirée’ – a candlelit dinner with a cocktail on arrival, a chef selected tasting menu and perfectly paired wines, all for $95 (or $65 without alcohol).
And when it gets really dark – we’re talking 10pm onwards – the late-night bites take centrestage. Continuing the jaffle tradition that was started by Dean’s Lounge, Arms Length offers a bite of nostalgia (and melty cheese goodness). Think: classic smoked ham with mozzarella, four cheeses, and beef brisket with caramelised onion and – you guessed it – cheese. We think these jaffles are gonna be a crowd-puller on Fridays and Saturdays when they’re available until 2am. Perfect for those post-party cravings.
And let’s not forget the drinks. There’s a focus on local Australian wines and seasonal cocktails curated by Nick Tesar (2022 Australian Bartender of the Year - Diageo World Class competition). They even serve $8 house red and white all day as well as $12 cocktails during happy hour that goes from 4-6pm daily. Cheers to that!
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