THE COMMONS arose in 2010 from the shared aspirations of a diverse group of friends, who believed that Sydney needed another way to drink and dine. The resulting restaurant and bar is simple in its offering; a calm environment that takes pride in the city’s culinary and cultural resources.

THE COMMONS takes many design cues from its 164-year-old structure, with the addition of modern architectural features that lighten the heavy, heritage framework. The furniture in the front courtyard and main dining room references familiar, communal items such as school desks, church pews and farm tables, and low energy LED lighting is positioned to cast soft silhouettes against the hand-chipped sandstone walls.

THE COMMONS believes wholeheartedly in doing fewer things, but doing them better. The owners together with the Chef curate the limited, daily menu with a reverence for seasonal, local produce. With a small team of experienced chefs and cooks, the kitchen’s sharing dishes are inspired by the eating houses of Italy, France and Britain.

THE COMMONS’ antipasti menu features pates and terrines of free-range poultry, seasonal fresh salads and charcuterie from local small-goods hero Pino. Lunches consist of a select range of fresh seafood, meat and vegetarian mains, and a number of lighter meals. Dinner adds a number of slow cooked, traditional dishes to the chalkboard.