Nestled in the heart of Newtown’s river-end precinct, Woolstore has quickly become a must-visit destination for food lovers, and for good reason.
From the creators of 1915 at Federal Mills, this modern Australian eatery, led by award-winning Chef Eli Grubb (crowned Regional Chef of the Year at the 2024 Golden Plate Awards), brings a refreshing and sophisticated twist to local dining.
Walking in, you’re greeted with a welcoming atmosphere full of the most lovely shades of green, green, green. Simple, sleek and full of considered style. The ground level is where the action is; an open, spacious dining room bordered by a bar and the kitchen. The upper level offers a second bar surrounded by more casual seating, overlooking the gorgeous front area views.
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The space offers the perfect backdrop for a menu that celebrates the finest local ingredients through small plates and shareable meals—ideal for those who enjoy sampling and sharing everything on offer.
We began with a beautiful dish of whipped ricotta, a creamy delight paired with mortadella, olive and pistachio tapenade, and toasted Paddock bread. The ricotta’s smooth texture paired wonderfully with the savoury richness of the mortadella, while the pistachio tapenade added a delish crunch that brought the dish to life. Each bite was an indulgent, balanced experience that set the tone for the meal ahead.
Next, the stracciatella cheese—an absolute must-order for cheese lovers. Served with charred heirloom tomatoes and a mustard fruit dressing, it was a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. The creamy, milky texture of the stracciatella was complemented by the smoky sweetness of the tomatoes and the zesty, slightly tangy mustard fruit dressing.
For something a little more indulgent, the pakora zucchini flowers with cashew cream stuffing and raita were a standout. The crispy pakora coating was perfectly fried, giving way to a delicate stuffing that was rich but not overwhelming. The raita provided a cooling contrast, adding a refreshing touch to the dish that made it all the more enjoyable.
The final main event was the pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi, served with buttered leeks, caviar beurre blanc, and parsley split sauce. The barramundi was perfectly cooked, with a delicate crispness on the outside and a tender, flaky interior. The buttered leeks added a silky texture, and the caviar beurre blanc elevated the fish to another level of luxury. The parsley split sauce brought everything together, offering a fresh, herbaceous finish to each bite.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick drink after a stroll by the river or a leisurely meal with loved ones, Woolstore provides the perfect setting and menu to make any occasion special. Chef Eli Grubb’s modern Australian approach shines through in every dish, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and bold flavours that leave a lasting impression. Woolstore is not just a place to eat—it’s a destination to experience, connect, and savour the best of what the region has to offer.
Woolstore is open daily for lunch, dinner, and drinks, located at 400 Pakington Street, Newtown (enter via Rutland Street).
