Neil Perry Archives - Double Bay Today

Double Bay Welcomes Bar Torino: A New Neighbourhood Spot for Aperitivo and Dinner

Double Bay’s dining scene is about to get a new burst of Italian flavour, with Bar Torino opening its doors on Friday, 19 September. Tucked beneath the landmark Gaden House on Bay Street, the new 80-seat bar promises locals a relaxed spot where aperitivo can seamlessly stretch into dinner and late-night drinks.

Read: Neil Perry’s Margaret Named Second-Best Steak Restaurant Globally

Behind the venture are hospitality stalwarts Neil and Samantha Perry, who are introducing Bar Torino as a more casual counterpart to their acclaimed Gran Torino.

The menu is designed for sharing and lingering, featuring spuntini, antipasti and hearty piatti principali. Highlights include Ervin’s lasagne Bolognese, baked semolina gnocchi with field mushrooms and taleggio, and crumbed chicken pizzaiola with tomato and parmesan.

The drinks list celebrates simplicity and style, with a concise selection of Australian, Italian and French wines alongside signature cocktails and a strong focus on negronis. To mark Negroni Month, Bar Torino will launch with a limited-edition line-up of four variations, including the Negroni Sbagliato and Negroni Picante, paired with live DJ sets across the first two Fridays.

Designer Collette Dinnigan has given the intimate basement space a distinctly Italian spirit, layering the walls with vintage posters and commissioning a mural that stretches the length of the room as a tribute to Campari. Beyond the bar’s 80 indoor seats, an additional 30 alfresco spots overlook Bay Street, making it an inviting option for both casual drop-ins and longer evenings.

“An easy and relaxed place where aperitivo turns into dinner, and dinner into drinks,” is how Neil Perry describes the new venue — a neighbourhood bar in the heart of Double Bay with a touch of old-world Italian charm.

Read: Neil Perry Revamps Song Bird in Double Bay with Designer Collette Dinnigan

Bar Torino details
24 Bay Street, Double Bay
Wednesday & Thursday – 4pm till late
Friday to Sunday – 12pm till late

Published 19-September-2025

Neil Perry to Replace Song Bird in Double Bay with New Italian Restaurant

Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/ Instagram

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.

A Strategic Shift in Dining

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.

The Arrival of Gran Torino

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.

Evolution of the Perry Precinct

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.

Published Date 07-July-2025

Neil Perry Revamps Song Bird in Double Bay with Designer Collette Dinnigan

Photo Credit: Song Bird/Instagram

Chef Neil Perry has enlisted designer Collette Dinnigan to revitalise his Double Bay restaurant, Song Bird, after a challenging opening phase.

Rocky Start for Song Bird in Double Bay

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.

Song Bird Neil Perry — *Photo Credit: Song Bird/Instagram*

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.

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.

Looking Ahead for Song Bird in Double Bay

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.

Published 27-Apr-2025

Song Bird Takes Flight in Double Bay

Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram

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.

Dumplings served at Song Bird Double Bay. — *Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

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.

Warm orange lanterns at Song Bird restaurant. — *Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

A Menu Designed to Delight

Song Bird’s menu highlights the best of Cantonese cooking, enriched by premium Australian produce. Signature dishes include:

Seafood served at Song Bird Double Bay. — *Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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*Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

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.

The iconic, chef Neil Perry — *Photo Credit: Neil Perry/Instagram*

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.

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Published 14-Jan-2025

Famous Chef Neil Perry to Open New Restaurant at Pallas House in Double Bay

Australia’s famous chef and restaurateur, Neil Perry, is back from his brief retirement and has announced plans to open a new restaurant in an upcoming commercial and lifestyle precinct, the Pallas House in Double Bay.

After stepping back from his role as the Rockpool Dining Group’s culinary director in mid-2020, the chef revealed that his new and still-unnamed restaurant will serve as the anchor tenant of the low-rise building that will be constructed on 30 to 36 Bay Street in the leafy eastern Sydney suburb.

His lease at Pallas House is good for 10 years.

In an feature with the project developer, Fortis, Mr Perry said that he wants to “create one of the world’s best neighbourhood dining experiences,” where locals would love to hang out or meet as often as they’d like.

Mr Perry envisions a simple but high-quality fit-out, with about 178 seats, and has enlisted Caon Studios and ACME for the design and development. Longterm, the experienced restaurateur won’t just open a new restaurant but a “Double Bay institution” loved by locals and visitors from all over the world.

This will be Mr Perry’s solo venture after 40 years. Post-COVID, Fortis believes that his venue will help Double Bay’s resurgence.

Meanwhile, Pallas House is set for completion in April 2021 and has also secured chef Damien Monley, who will open an all-day dining eatery. Much of the building will be rented out to commercial establishments, with Pallas Capital occupying the top two floors.