Renowned restaurateur Neil Perry will close his large-scale Chinese restaurant Song Bird, replacing it with a new Italian dining concept at the same Double Bay address after determining the original venture was unsuitable for the local area.
The final service for the ambitious Cantonese restaurant, Song Bird, is scheduled for Sunday, August 3rd. Neil Perry stated that the concept of a three-level Chinese establishment in Double Bay had ultimately missed the mark. He also noted that the complexity of managing a venue of that size was a significant factor in the decision to change direction. The move is seen as a strategic pivot to better cater to the local community’s tastes and the operational realities of the site.
This change follows the earlier closure of Bobbie’s, a cocktail bar located in the same building, which was also part of a broader move by Perry to concentrate his focus on his main restaurant ventures in the precinct.
In its place, the Gaden House location will be transformed into an Italian eatery named Gran Torino. The new restaurant will draw on Perry’s extensive experience with Italian flavours and cooking. To ensure a successful launch, the kitchen will be guided by the senior team from Perry’s highly successful neighbouring restaurant, Margaret.
Margaret’s executive chef, Richard Purdue, and head chef, Ervin Mumujesi, will oversee the new Italian venture. This connection promises to bring a proven standard of quality and execution to Gran Torino, creating a complementary dining experience within Perry’s Double Bay portfolio.
The transition involves a key personnel change, with Song Bird’s head chef, Mark Lee, moving to the head chef position at Margaret. This keeps his culinary skills within the Perry group. The decision to close Song Bird comes after a challenging initial period for the restaurant, which opened ahead of schedule with an incomplete setup.
Perry had previously brought in designer Collette Dinnigan to improve the venue’s acoustics and expanded the menu beyond Cantonese cuisine in an effort to refine the offering. This latest move marks a definitive step towards creating a more cohesive and suitable collection of dining venues for the neighbourhood.
Margaret in Double Bay has helped cement Sydney’s standing as the leading steak city worldwide, with the restaurant ranked second on the 2025 list of the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants.
Sydney was declared the best steak city globally after 11 of its restaurants earned places on the 2025 World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list. This result saw Sydney surpass Buenos Aires, which had previously held the title. Margaret in Double Bay was the highest-ranked Sydney venue, taking second place on the list behind Buenos Aires’ Parrilla Don Julio.
Caption: Chef Neil Perry Photo Credit: Margaret/Instagram
Double Bay’s Role Through Margaret
Margaret in Double Bay has become a key player in Sydney’s steakhouse reputation. The restaurant showcases Australian beef using dry-ageing methods and wood-fired grilling.
Cuts from respected producers like CopperTree Farms and David Blackmore feature heavily on the menu, reflecting Neil Perry’s focus on provenance and quality. Margaret balances its meat offering with an emphasis on sustainable seafood, creating a produce-driven menu that highlights both land and sea.
Other Leading Sydney Steakhouses
Rockpool Bar & Grill in Sydney placed 12th on the list, known for its self-managed dry-ageing program and wood-charcoal grill. The Grill at The International came in 14th, noted for its oak-fired grill and premium Australian beef. Porteño at 20th, The Gidley at 32nd, AALIA at 36th, Shell House Dining Room & Terrace at 51st, The Cut Bar & Grill at 62nd, 20 Chapel at 93rd, and Bistecca at 99th further strengthened Sydney’s representation.
Photo Credit: Margaret/Instagram
What Set Sydney Apart
Sydney’s venues were recognised not just for the quality of their beef but for their commitment across service, wine expertise, ambience, and precise cooking techniques. CopperTree Farms, a key supplier, provides beef to 10 of the 11 Sydney restaurants on the list, contributing to a consistent standard.
With multiple steakhouses ranking among the world’s best, Sydney, led by Double Bay’s Margaret, has reinforced its place on the global culinary map. The city’s focus on diversity of beef products, skilled preparation and high-quality dining experiences continues to drive demand from local and international diners.
We’ve combed Double Bay for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Kia K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bibo Wine Bar in Double Bay offers a fantastic vibe with warm, attentive service that makes you feel right at home. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, featuring some great local and international drops. Perfectly paired snacks round out the experience, making it a great spot for a relaxed yet refined evening. Highly recommend for wine lovers!
Peter C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Definitely a 5 star experience. Food was amazing. Staff were great. The small size of the restaurant and bar gives it an intimate feel. We were there early at 6:15pm and the vibe continued to build as the evening progressed. The octopus was perfectly cooked and absolutely melted away. Sorry the only dish that I didn’t take a photo 🙁
Joshua Q ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is a magical spot in Double Bay. We dined in a group setting, the set menu was perfect. Highly recommend. The ambience inside is warm and inviting. Perfect for a date spot too. Must try the duck.
Scott N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service was phenomenal from the staff. The atmosphere was great sitting in the outdoor alfresco area. However every dishes just tasted a bit too salty! Especially the prawn toasts and the pasta dish we had. Please cut back on the salt and everything will be just perfect.
Marcus L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bartiga is a hidden gem in Double Bay, offering some of the most explosive flavours I’ve come across. The fusion of Southeast Asian and European influences in the food was simply amazing, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The cocktail and wine list was equally impressive, and the service was excellent throughout the night. I’ll definitely be back to try more of their fantastic dishes!
Team Scoville S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The bottomless brunch here is Amazing. Place has been on my list for a while it was absolutely worth it. Delicious food, great cocktails, lovely atmosphere & attentive staff. Highly recommend!
Maria L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shaggys is a great place to go when your a local and fancy a meal out with a Freshly made Cocktail, Fantastic Food, Frozen Margarites are the best. Highly recommend this place, support our local Allambie shops with this new wine bar.. 🙂 Thanks Shaggy, we will be back soon.
Ashlee D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely love this coffee shop! The atmosphere is always welcoming, the drinks are consistently excellent, and the service is top-notch. Isabella is especially amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and always makes my coffee just right with the perfect amount of caramel. You can tell she genuinely cares about creating a great experience for every customer. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!
Tracey Z ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such delicious Mexican and family friendly. So reasonable – not many places in Northern Beaches you can get away for dinner for two with two drinks under $60!! Our go to when we don’t feel cooking.
Elise G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First time eating at Margaret and it was a great experience. We booked about 1 month in advance and the restaurant was fully booked on the Saturday evening. Food was delicious and the menu had so many lovely options. Mainly seafood and then a good selection of beef. The 3 mushroom pie deserves a special mention which is so yummy and freshly made (you have to wait 25 minutes).The sashimi tuna was one of the best I’ve ever tried.My husband had a great beef fillet which was perfectly cooked and just melted in your mouth. Wine and drinks menu was good too. Cocktails were delicious (wish they were bigger). Service was very attentive and friendly but not intrusive or pushy. I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend for a special occasion.
Sarah M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed my lunch here. Really fresh and good quality ingredients. We ordered entrees from the wildfire oven and for mains we got the red snapper and the fillet with green veggies. The veggies were beautiful as was the fish and meat. We will definitely be back. There are so many other dishes we wanted to try.
Bryan C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a great find! Top notch service from Bella and the rest of the team. Her excellent recommendations and a good knowledge of ingredients and provenance helped us create the perfect menu! Every mouthful was flavour packed and delicious. Will definitely be back!
Eniko F ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible food and drinks. The food every time is 10/10. My personal favourite the vodka rigatoni. The staff are always so friendly and attentive. Matteo is one of my favourite restaurants hence why we continue to come back. Highly recommended!! Best Italian food
Linda B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place came as a recommendation from the lovely Elisabeth at the Intercontinental Hotel at Double Bay, and wow! From the moment you arrive, you’re wrapped in warm welcome. Lovely and open area, tons of seating and attentive staff. We went twice during our weekend stay and will go again. The pizzas and appetizers were delicious and beautifully presented and the generous plates of other dishes we saw being delivered are calling me, even now. An amazing experience I can’t wait to repeat.
Anthony I ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service was phenomenal, waiters kept on coming back to check on the food or if we need need anything. Woodfire pizza was delicious and it should be It’s a bit loud in there but overall very fun atmosphere and the music is on point Highly recommend for dinner, drinks and casual night out
Margaret, Neil Perry’s Double Bay restaurant, has climbed from third to second place in the latest rankings by The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants. The announcement places Margaret among the top international venues for steak, recognising its consistent commitment to high-quality local produce and technique.
Photo Credit: Margaret/Instagram
Background and Philosophy
Opened in Double Bay, Margaret was named after Mr Perry’s late mother, whose legacy as a family matriarch inspired the restaurant’s CARE philosophy—focusing on respect for suppliers, staff, community, and the environment. This ethos reflects Mr Perry’s broader career in Australian hospitality, which spans more than 40 years and includes founding Rockpool, Spice Temple, Rosetta, and now Margaret.
The venue is positioned as a neighbourhood restaurant that brings together premium Australian ingredients in a setting focused on comfort, generosity, and a welcoming experience. Seafood is a key feature of the menu, with dishes rotated regularly based on fresh, seasonal availability from trusted suppliers.
Photo Credit: Margaret/Instagram
Celebrating Australian Produce
The menu at Margaret features locally raised beef, Australian-caught seafood, and produce supplied by small-scale growers. Popular dishes include CopperTree Farms beef fillet with red curry butter, rotisserie Sommerlad chicken, Tasmanian trumpeter, and seasonal vegetable pies. Menus are updated daily to reflect changes in supply and quality.
The sample set menus range from $140 to $190 per person and feature items such as tuna tartare with gochujang, Sydney rock oysters, and desserts like mascarpone trifle or flourless chocolate cake. A canapé menu is also offered for event bookings.
Photo Credit: Margaret/Instagram
Double Bay Dining Destination
Margaret operates in the heart of Double Bay and is supported by Mr Perry’s family, including his wife and daughters. The venue includes private event options, with full venue hire for up to 110 guests and a semi-private space for smaller gatherings. These offerings support a wide range of gatherings, including weddings, birthdays, homecomings, and corporate functions.
Margaret was one of 11 Sydney restaurants included in the 2025 edition of The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, reinforcing Sydney’s growing international reputation for premium dining. Mr Perry expressed appreciation for the recognition, highlighting the team’s effort and ongoing commitment to quality.
Lough Playing Fields in Double Bay is a historic park catering to sports such as netball, softball, cricket, and rugby and soccer training. It is also a popular site for walking and jogging. The site was once part of the Cooper family’s Point Piper Estate before being set aside for sporting activities in 1927.
Currently, the facilities include a grassed netball court and two junior synthetic cricket pitches, with dog access permitted under specific conditions.
Woollahra Council’s $690,000 proposal involves upgrading the existing grass netball fields at Lough Park into acrylic and concrete courts. The proposal includes installing four floodlights, each 10 metres tall, to allow the courts to be used beyond daylight hours and throughout winter.
Planning documents highlight that the development would address unmet demand for informal recreation and training. However, several concerns have been raised, including the impact of hard surface infrastructure, potential increases in weeknight noise from whistles and bouncing balls, intrusive lighting, flood risks, and traffic congestion.
The courts would be available for community use but could also be booked commercially by private companies, leading to further concerns about increased usage and reduced passive space.
Comparison and Alternatives: Existing Infrastructure
Opponents argue that there are already over 72 courts available in or near Woollahra, with more planned. Save Lough Park, one of the action groups, stresses that additional courts should not come at the cost of one of the eastern suburbs’ remaining passive green spaces.
Advocates for field sports also point out that girls increasingly participate in field-based activities such as soccer, AFL, and hockey, challenging the notion that hard courts are the only facilities needed to support female athletes.
Community Sentiment: Divided Views
Community groups such as Save Lough Park and Friends of Lough Park have voiced strong opposition, gathering over 800 petition signatures. They emphasise the environmental, noise, and traffic impacts of the proposal, while stating their support for girls’ sport in principle but questioning the chosen location.
Conversely, supporters, including some councillors and community members, argue that infrastructure for girls’ sports has historically lagged behind that of boys’ sports and that new facilities are essential to rectify the imbalance.
Woollahra Council has voted to move the Lough Park proposal forward to community consultation. A meeting is scheduled for 28 April, offering the community an opportunity to voice feedback before a final decision is made.
Neil Perry launched Song Bird in August 2024. It is part of his $12 million Double Bay hospitality precinct. The 240-seat Cantonese restaurant, positioned next to his successful venue Margaret, struggled to find its footing initially.
Mr Perry explained that budget overruns forced him to open the restaurant earlier than planned, resulting in untrained staff and incomplete facilities, including a malfunctioning dumbwaiter. He described the first three months as extremely difficult, acknowledging the decision to open prematurely was a significant error despite his extensive industry experience.
Addressing Design Challenges with Collette Dinnigan
To improve the restaurant’s atmosphere, Mr Perry turned to long-time friend and acclaimed designer Collette Dinnigan. Known for her work in fashion and interior design, Ms Dinnigan was tasked with addressing the acoustic issues caused by the restaurant’s hard surfaces.
Ms Dinnigan introduced acoustic foam to soften the soundscape and contributed decorative elements such as antique birdcages, enhanced column designs, and carefully curated artwork to transform the venue’s interior. Mr Perry and Ms Dinnigan’s professional relationship dates back over 30 years, including collaborations during Ms Dinnigan’s fashion shows.
Expanding the Culinary Direction
Alongside the interior redesign, Mr Perry expanded Song Bird’s culinary offerings. Moving beyond a purely Cantonese focus, the refreshed menu now includes influences from Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. These changes draw inspiration from Mr Perry’s earlier ventures, Wokpool and Spice Temple.
Mr Perry stated that after nearly seven months of operational improvements, Song Bird now offers a markedly different and enhanced dining experience.
Photo Credit: Song Bird/Instagram
Early Community Response to Changes
Recent bookings and reviews suggest the Double Bay community has responded positively to the changes at Song Bird. The refreshed atmosphere and broader menu are seen as contributing factors to the restaurant’s turnaround.
With Collette Dinnigan’s design influence and an expanded menu, Song Bird is positioning itself for greater success within Double Bay’s competitive dining scene. Perry’s adjustments highlight his continued commitment to evolving the restaurant to meet both his standards and diners’ expectations.
A $23.9 million redevelopment has been proposed for Krissy Marsh’s Double Bay residence, with plans lodged to transform the historic six-bedroom property into a multi-level home featuring wellness and entertainment facilities.
A major renovation is underway for a luxury property in Double Bay owned by Real Housewives of Sydney cast member Krissy Marsh and her husband Johnny Marsh. Documents lodged with Woollahra Council reveal plans for a $23.9-million redevelopment aimed at aligning the property with the couple’s current needs and lifestyle requirements.
The Marshes purchased the property in 2022 for approximately $30 million. Located in one of Sydney’s most high-profile suburbs, the house is set to undergo significant changes, with the scale of proposed works placing it among the largest developments ever undertaken in the Woollahra Council area.
Planned Features and Scope
The application outlines the addition of a wellness retreat including a sauna, ice bathroom, treatment rooms, and a gymnasium. Further inclusions are a cinema room, outdoor bars, a swimming pool, a cabana, a cellar, a herb garden, a commercial kitchen, and a new basement level with extra parking. New bedrooms are also planned as part of the redevelopment.
The build will reportedly require around 2,000 cubic metres of excavation, roughly equivalent to the volume of an Olympic swimming pool.
Photo Credit: Home Beautiful/Instagram
Community Reaction
While the owners intend the property to be their long-term residence, the scale of the redevelopment has drawn criticism. The Double Bay Residents Association has formally objected, describing the project as a “gross overdevelopment.” Planning documents argue the impact on neighbouring properties would be minimal.
Woollahra Council is assessing the proposal as part of its standard development application process. The project’s timeline and final approval remain subject to council review.
The NSW government introduced new planning laws on 28 February as part of a broader strategy to address the state’s housing shortage. These laws apply to areas located within 800 metres of 171 designated train stations or shopping centres across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and the Central Coast.
Under the new framework, buildings of six to eight storeys can be constructed within 400 metres of key hubs, while development of up to three storeys is permitted between 400 and 800 metres. Changes to floor space ratios and dual occupancy rules are also increasing development capacity across multiple lots.
Double Bay is among the suburbs impacted by the planning reforms. While the changes are intended to improve housing supply, local real estate agents anticipate that three-bedroom apartments in new developments around Double Bay may be priced between $5 million and $6 million—and even higher if properties offer views. This has raised questions about whether the policy will enhance housing affordability in high-end areas.
Developers are now targeting eligible locations for redevelopment, including amalgamated sites. In other parts of Sydney, some property owners have doubled their sale price by consolidating adjoining lots for larger-scale projects.
Wider Movement Across Sydney
Similar activity is unfolding in other eastern suburbs including Rose Bay, Edgecliff, Bondi Junction, and Maroubra. In Rose Bay alone, 28 homeowners have combined their properties, with at least 60 amalgamations reported in one three-block radius.
In Gordon, developers are securing options on homes near train stations, with some properties reaching prices of up to $12 million. Meanwhile, in Mosman, concerns have been raised over six-storey buildings being planned in low-rise areas near Balmoral Beach.
Mixed Sentiments Among Property Owners
While some owners welcome the financial benefits, others are facing limitations. In Gordon, heritage-listed homes are excluded from redevelopment despite being located in newly eligible zones. Affected residents have raised concerns about loss of privacy, overshadowing, and future property values.
Local councils, including Mosman, have indicated that developments meeting the new planning criteria cannot be rejected on the basis of height or density. However, objections may still be submitted on other grounds—such as view obstruction or privacy impacts—though how they will be assessed remains unclear.
The new planning rules mark a major shift in development controls as the state government seeks to ease housing pressures. In areas like Double Bay, the reforms have triggered immediate developer activity and multi-million-dollar transactions. However, uncertainty remains around affordability outcomes, the inclusion of heritage properties, and long-term impacts on urban character.
A major intersection in Double Bay has been the site of 13 crashes and nine injuries since 2019, prompting growing concern from residents who say traffic congestion and confusion at the site have reached a crisis point.
The crossroads where New South Head Road, Bellevue Road, Cross Street and Kiaora Road meet is often described by locals as one of the most dangerous in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Community members have reported regular near misses and constant traffic jams that disrupt daily life and pose risks to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. According to recent data, the four-way intersection has been the scene of repeated collisions, with some residents stating it’s a surprise no one has been killed.
The intersection’s layout has long caused confusion among motorists. A key issue is uncertainty around which traffic lights apply to which direction, especially for cars turning right from Bellevue Road or New South Head Road. Drivers often hesitate or stop mid-turn, creating blockages and increasing the chance of accidents. A left-turn lane added in 2022 has only added to the confusion for drivers attempting to travel straight through the intersection.
Photo Credit: WoollahraCouncil
Locals Push for Change
Local business owner Pham Yang, who has operated nearby for more than two decades, said the situation has steadily worsened as more drivers unfamiliar with the area get caught off guard by the complex intersection. He described daily scenes of frustration, with drivers frequently honking and shouting as traffic clogs the area.
Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan said Council continues to hear from worried residents, many of whom believe it’s only a matter of time before a more serious incident occurs. She noted that the city’s engineers have submitted multiple requests to Transport for NSW since early 2022, seeking improvements to ease congestion and reduce safety risks.
Deputy Mayor Sean Carmichael has described the traffic situation as “desperate”, particularly for Bellevue Hill residents who he says are often unable to leave or return to their suburb during peak traffic hours. He first formally raised the issue over two years ago.
Federal Member for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, addressed the matter in state parliament last week, describing the intersection as “confusing, congested and dangerous.” She encouraged the transport minister to visit the site to see the problems firsthand. Sloane has also launched a community petition aimed at urging state authorities to take urgent action.
Transport for NSW confirmed that a traffic and safety review was completed in October 2023 and is currently being assessed. A spokesperson for the department said a technical review is underway to identify possible improvements to the intersection and that further steps will be determined once the assessment is complete.
A top priority in the request was a review of the intersection where New South Head Road meets Bellevue Road, Cross Street and Kiaora Road in Double Bay.
According to the 2020 Double Bay Transport Strategy, that junction was projected to exceed capacity during morning, evening and Saturday peak hours by 2027. Council now believes that level of congestion is already being experienced.
Ms Swan noted that the intersection is a vital part of the area’s road network and essential for people travelling to work, school, or appointments.
Other intersections included in the request were New South Head Road at William Street, Manning Road, and Wolseley Road, as well as Old South Head Road at Victoria Road. Council hopes these reviews will help relieve pressure on state-managed roads and improve safety for all road users.
For those looking to break up the workweek, Pelicano has something special in store. Their new Wednesday night event, The Interlude, is designed to help you recharge with good food, great drinks, and even better music.
Running from 6:00 p.m. until late, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your crew, unwind, and indulge midweek. The highlight? $25 unlimited pizzas—a deal that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita, something more adventurous, or just in the mood to sample everything, there’s no better way to enjoy a carefree evening. Pair that with $12 Aperol spritzes or $8 Peronis, and you’ve got a winning combination that makes the workweek feel just a little lighter.
Photo credit: Pelicano Potts Point/Google Maps
Pelicano has long been a favourite for those who love a mix of Italian and Mediterranean flavours in a stylish yet relaxed setting. After its grand reopening in October, the venue has brought a fresh energy to Potts Point, and The Interlude is just another reason to make a midweek visit.
Photo credit: Pelicano Potts Point/Google Maps
Adding to the ambiance, DJs will be spinning a soundtrack of throwback hip-hop and R&B. Expect those nostalgic beats to set the perfect tone as you sip, snack, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere on Pelicano’s al fresco terrace.
For those in the know, Pelicano has always been a go-to for a night out—but The Interlude is bringing a whole new flavour to midweek plans. So, whether you’re easing into the weekend early or just need a little break before Thursday, this is your perfect excuse to hit this restaurant midweek. Visit Pelicano at 33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point. They are open Wednesday- Sunday, from 5:00 p.m. until late.
