Song Bird, a modern Chinese restaurant, has landed in the heart of Double Bay. Helmed by acclaimed chef Neil Perry, the restaurant occupies the heritage-listed Gaden House on Bay Street.
With its blend of Cantonese-inspired flavours and fresh Australian ingredients, Song Bird is a vibrant addition to Sydney’s dining scene.
A Harmony of Heritage and Style
Housed in Gaden House, a 1960s architectural icon, Song Bird pairs mid-century charm with modern elegance. Inside, soft lighting and warm orange lanterns create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Crisp white tablecloths and polished timber chairs add sophistication, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and showcase views of the surrounding streetscape. A glass-enclosed wine display offers a touch of luxury.
The venue strengthens Mr Perry’s growing influence in Double Bay, complementing his other popular restaurants, Margaret and Next Door.
A Menu Designed to Delight
Song Bird’s menu highlights the best of Cantonese cooking, enriched by premium Australian produce. Signature dishes include:
- Dumplings: Pork and Prawn Siu Mai ($24 for 4).
- Roasts: Peking Duck with Mandarin pancakes and condiments ($64 for half, $120 for whole).
- Seafood: Live lobster ($239) and mud crab ($159) prepared in XO sauce or with ginger and shallots.
- Meats: Red-braised pork belly ($49), Mongolian beef fillet ($49), and stir-fried chicken with black bean sauce ($45).
- Vegetables: Steamed choy sum with garlic sauce ($25) and stir-fried water spinach with garlic ($24).
À la Carte Menu
The à la carte menu showcases a variety of Cantonese-inspired dishes, each crafted with care. From the delicate Spencer Gulf King Prawn Har Gow to the bold Mongolian beef fillet, every dish is a tribute to flavour and quality.
Dessert Menu
Song Bird’s dessert offerings provide the perfect finish. With creative twists on classic Asian-inspired sweets, the menu reflects Mr Perry’s signature balance of indulgence and refinement.
Banquet Menu
Ideal for group dining, the banquet menu offers a curated selection of the restaurant’s standout dishes. Designed for sharing, it captures the essence of Cantonese cuisine, from savoury dumplings to succulent roasts and fresh seafood.
Chinese New Year Banquet Menu
To celebrate Chinese New Year, Song Bird presents an exclusive eight-course banquet for $148 per person. Symbolic dishes like Peking Duck, live coral trout with ginger and shallots, and indulgent desserts mark the occasion. Available from 27 January to 9 February, it’s a feast that honours tradition and flavour.
Operating Hours
Song Bird operates seamlessly throughout the week:
- Monday to Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Neil Perry: A Culinary Visionary
Mr Perry’s extensive experience in fine dining shines through at Song Bird. His meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the menu to the restaurant’s design and atmosphere. Adjacent to Song Bird is Bobbie’s, a basement cocktail bar specialising in martinis and light snacks—perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed nightcap.
Revitalising Double Bay
Since opening Margaret in 2021, Mr Perry has been a driving force behind the revival of Double Bay. Song Bird adds new energy to the area, attracting locals and visitors alike. While the revitalisation has been widely welcomed, some residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic and commercialisation.
Looking Ahead
With its innovative menu and elegant setting, Song Bird is poised to become a staple of the dining scene in Double Bay. Reservations are now open, with details available on the restaurant’s official website. Mr Perry’s commitment to excellence continues to shape Sydney’s culinary landscape.
Published 14-Jan-2025
