Arms Length Bar

Operated by a team with serious hospo pedigree (Rockpool, Monopole, Margaret, Ormeggio), Arms Length is the Potts Point all-rounder you wish was on your street—a restaurant, bar and late-night local.

After a very Sydney winter—read: “a leaking ceiling that resembled Wentworth Falls,” as owner Rosie O’Shea tells Urban List—the venue shut for two weeks of urgent repairs. But the silver lining? A chance to regroup, refresh and refine what makes Arms Length a true neighbourhood haunt.

The updated space keeps its intimate NYC-style booths and deep green palette, now lifted with bold red tables from designer Max Mazaraki—“they look great in photos,” says O’Shea, and honestly, she’s right.

On the menu, the team has doubled down on crowd favourites. “Our flatbread stuffed with spinach, cabbage and triple cream cheese will blow your mind,” she tells us, and the signature chicken parfait on Iggy’s toast remains untouchable.

Chef Keno Perlas brings a relaxed but refined approach: “The element of rustic home and comfort cooking will always be there, paired with fresh Australian produce seasoned with artisan ferments and local cheeses presented in a wine bar setting that can be shared,” he says.

There’s steak frites with a rich brandy-peppercorn sauce, and jaffles running until late. If you’re wandering in after 9pm, the $15 late-night margarita menu is a must—expect flavours like Blue Yuzu, Kiwi + Papaya, a Watermelon–Rhubi number, and a rotating Mystery Marg you’ll have to order blind.

The ethos is simple: Arms Length wants you to feel like you’re stepping into a friend’s place for a dinner party—welcoming, relaxed, and never too serious.

O’Shea, her sister and brother-in-law (who also run Darlinghurst’s Bar Nina) pride themselves on creating venues where “people of all walks of life feel welcome,” with an offering that stays approachable and high-value even when budgets are tight.

And because this is Potts Point, there’s plenty of history stitched into the building itself. The site was once home to Dean’s Lounge, and rumour has it that Tilly Devine herself ended a 1929 razor gang knife fight from the very balcony above.

Arms Length nails that “great value, still a bit fancy” sweet spot—perfect for locals, solo diners, late-night wanderers and anyone who appreciates a good chin wag with the team.

Image credit: Arms Length | Instagram