At the helm of the menu is the brand’s curated meat program from Australian purveyors. Now open in The Star is ELE, a new dining concept from head chefs Federico Zanellato (Lumi Bar & Dining) and Karl Firla . Diners start in the bar with small snacks and a beverage before being ushered into the dining room to watch the digital projections and enjoy larger dishes. Think corn souffle and a buttery lobster placed over even more buttery brioche bread. During the course, diners will find themselves immersed in a compelling visual and sound scene, complementing the meal.

Diners can expect an expanded dining offering, led by Executive Chef Pip Pratt who has crafted a generous New England-inspired and a seafood-driven menu boasting everything that’s great to share. Mary’s Group is set to open a new 1200-person live music venue, Liberty Hall, in late October. The new venue will be a champion for great art, opening the doors and stage to local and international artists. The dedicated music venue will also sit next door to a new Mary’s venue, bringing their infamous burgers, fried chicken, and natural wine to the most exciting live music party of 2022. For those looking for an extra thrill, the Paniq Room has a psychology twist, such as dealing with a situation where you are in a prison cell, handcuffed, and blindfolded, with stifling smoke.

There will be an extensive French wine cellar and the house beer will be Kronenbourg from Alsace. The décor will also feature authentic French objet d’art shipped from Europe by both Giausseran’s and Ventura’s parents. With doors opening in January at Quay Quarter Lanes, Bouillon l’Entrecôte will accommodate up to 70 patrons in its upstairs 6 Loftus Street premises, with a downstairs bar area with seating for up to 20 people. This CBD favourite doesn't just offer an escape room experience along O'Connell Street. It also designs and build custom escape rooms for pop-up experiences — including for movies, week-long activities and school outings.

Set in dystopian France, this particular Escape Room Parramatta scenario will see you try to infiltrate a secret bunker and overthrow your country's evil leader. Sydney has plenty of escape scenarios to sink your teeth into—including rooms with laser beams, rooms dated back to the 1900s and even challenges with a 10 percent success rate. A panic room is a secure room that allows people to be safe in the event of an emergency.

The inventive Mitch Orr leads the kitchen as the restaurant’s Chef-Partner, with acclaimed Melbourne-based interior designer Fiona Lynch as the design partner for the space. Mike Bennie, a champion of the Australian drinks scene, is helping to curate the hotel’s beverage menus. Celebrity Chef Luke Mangan has been given the green light to open an ambitious new restaurant in the Harbour Bridge’s southeast pylon. The 20-seat restaurant will focus on local produce, including oysters, Champagne, sashimi, and seared beef fillet paired with Penfolds wines. As you can expect, dining here comes with a hefty price tag, around $295 per person. Escape Hunt has escape rooms all over Australia from Melbourne to Perth, and of course, Sydney.

This Redballoon escape room experience will have you stepping into a new world and playing one of their brilliantly-themed escape games. Once the door slams shut, work together to solve a series of fiendishly clever clues. You and your team of 2-5 players (ages 7+) have just one hour of pulse-racing excitement to win your freedom. You can then celebrate your escape in a fully licensed lounge and enjoy a complimentary photo shoot.

Or stop in for a pepper berry pork belly toastie with burnt apple and Geraldton wax sauce for lunch. If you’re after a hot drink, try a wattleseed chai or a tall cold glass of the house soda, strawberry gum and rhubarb. To keep on top of all the new exciting places to drink and dine, we’re rounding up the best new openings of 2022. Prepare to be challenged as you work your way through the kidnapper's demands, all while unravelling the clues to save your loved one.