Owner and chef Roy McVeigh (formerly of Attica, Bennelong and Quay) brings the traditions of Baja California to Sydney with Arre – a refined yet energetic restaurant where seafood, smoke and open flame take centre stage. The name “Arre” speaks to momentum, energy and the urge to move, fitting for a venue fuelled by fire-driven cooking.

Mexican-inspired dishes are built around seasonal Australian produce, with vegetables often sourced directly from McVeigh’s own garden. True to Mexico City taquero tradition, each dish is thoughtfully crafted. A vertical spit al pastor – the first of its kind in Australia – gets a serious workout on weekends, during the restaurant’s bottomless offering.

The spacious dining room features high ceilings and ample seating, with a long-curved banquette stretching almost the entire length of the restaurant. Bar seating offers a front-row view of the cooking action, adding to the immersive atmosphere.

Cocktails are the perfect way to begin the feast. The Mezcal Minded delivers a smoky, citrus-driven twist on the classic margarita with Espandin Mezcal, 1800 Cystalino, Amaro Rubino and lime, while the Espresso Borracho combines 1800 Cystalino, macadamia, espresso, agave and wattleseed for Arre’s nutty take on an espresso martini.

For those unsure where to begin, the ‘Feed Me’ option is the way to go, with four, five, or seven-course options selected by the chef.

Highlights include the delicious pork jowl enmolada – rich, textured and slightly sweet – alongside the standout egg yolk with chapulin, ancho salsa and bocconcini. Chapulin, the Spanish term for grasshoppers commonly eaten in Mexican cuisine, adds an unexpected crunch – a flavour bomb in your mouth.

Larger plates continued the feast with fried chicken with green chorizo and guajillo adobo, the crisp coating giving way to juicy, tender meat. The eggplant baracoa proved equally impressive, with soft, charred eggplant complemented by pepita, cabbage and miso, best enjoyed with pumpkin tetelas – perfect for soaking up every last sauce.

Dessert is non-negotiable: the goat’s cheese taco with coconut tequila, raspberry and fennel pollen is worthy of keeping to yourself, while the tonka bean semifreddo with warm dates, lime granita and café de olla delivers a clever balance of sweetness and spice.

Venue Manager Andy White has curated a strong wine list featuring excellent wines by the glass selections from New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Chile and Argentina. The Urmeneta Carmenere Reserva 2023, with its bold black cherry notes, is an incredibly smooth Chilean red wine and pairs perfectly with the smoky dishes.

Situated on Australia Street in Newtown, Arre offers contemporary Mexican dining with plenty of personality – and dishes and drinks that will have you back before you know it.

A 10-minute walk from New Theatre

Arre is located 182-184 Australia Street, Newtown, Sydney

Open 12-5pm Wed-Sun

To book visit Arre