British celebrity chef Rick Stein is set to open his largest Australian restaurant to date when Rick Stein at Coogee Beach debuts on 1 December 2025, at the new InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
The 224-seat oceanfront venue marks a significant expansion for Stein, who has operated successful restaurants at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook since 2008 and Bannisters Port Stephens since 2018.
The Coogee location will serve as the Australian flagship, bringing Stein’s signature “fresh seafood, simply prepared” philosophy to one of Sydney’s most popular beach destinations.
“Sydney’s Coogee Beach is the perfect location for our flagship Australian restaurant,” said Stein. “It’s relaxed yet sophisticated, with that incredible connection to the ocean that has always inspired my cooking. For us, this feels like coming home.”
The restaurant will be helmed by Colin Chun, a veteran chef with more than two decades of international experience, including executive chef positions at Hilton Sydney, Pullman, WSCC Penrith, and W Taipei. Chun has led kitchen brigades of up to 80 chefs and has been nominated multiple times for Chef of the Year honours.
“Working alongside Rick and Sarah to open Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is a career highlight,” said Chun. “Rick’s approach to seafood and seasonality has influenced my own philosophy for years, so I am excited to bring that simplicity and excellence to life for Sydney diners.”
Australian coastal produce emphasis
The inaugural menu will showcase Australian coastal produce with an emphasis on local and seasonal seafood from New South Wales and beyond. The venue will feature multiple dining spaces, including a main restaurant dining room, courtyard terrace, and bar areas, with the bar offering coastal-inspired cocktails and a curated wine selection.
The restaurant will operate dinner service Monday through Thursday from 6pm, with Friday through Sunday adding lunch service from midday to 3pm.
The venture is a collaboration with Salter Brothers Hospitality, which acquired the Bannisters Group in 2024. Salter Brothers operates a portfolio of 19 luxury retreats, hotels and lodges, and 29 restaurants and bars across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
