Island Radio

Island Radio is a pumping Sydney restaurant in the Wunderlich Lane lifestyle precinct, where Surry Hills and Redfern meet. With a guiding concept of ‘tropical futurism’, it’s a unique take on pan-Asian cuisine with a versatile offering perfect for its inner-city location and the needs of the precinct.

Across the Noodle Bar and Eating House, executive chef Andrianto 'Andy' Wirya delivers a lively dining experience drawing culinary inspo from across Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.

“Island Radio is a departure from what we’ve done before,” says Justin Newton, director of House Made Hospitality, who are also behind other 2024 openings tilda, Wentworth Bar, Delta Rue, and bar tilda, plus CBD venues Martinez, Hinchliff House and more.

“We wanted to bring a big dose of energy—through the visuals, the music, and, of course, in the food and drinks.”

The front Noodle Bar is a walk-in-only, indoor/outdoor offering focused on drop-in eats and drinks, with splashes of cork and neon affirming the casual and lively setting. Flavour-packed bites on the menu include like duck spring rolls with sambal mayo, crispy adobo chicken buns, and beef short rib soup with mustard greens.

In The Eating House, communal tables, feature pendants, clashing orange and blue elements, and historic elements from the site—the heritage-listed Bank of NSW building—create a shifting experience from day to night.

The menu split includes noodles and skewers, small plates, larger plates and curries, with standouts including smoked ox tongue skewers with turmeric gravy, Singaporean white pepper lobster noodles in black garlic oil, Malaysian prawn roti (styled after prawn toast), and falling-apart short rib rendang.

Groups should look at the babi guling—a Balinese-style roasted suckling pig, brined for 48 hours and dry-roasted with aromatic spices—and consider the banquet menus and private dining rooms (opening early 2025) for up to 14 guests, one of which is equipped with a karaoke lounge.

Drinks include an all-Aussie wine list, and colourful cocktails that apply the balance and elements of Asian cuisines with seasonal fruits, aromatic botanicals and spices.

Now check out the best restaurants in Surry Hills.

Image credit: Island Radio | Supplied

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