Restaurant
ANTE
146 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Find ANTE
146 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout ANTE
Low lights, needle drops on vinyl, and an exacting drinks list make ANTE Newtown’s benchmark listening bar. Sydney’s dining set heads here for focused cooking over routine drinking snacks—charcoal pork jowl skewers, snapper crudo, and tagliatelle with shiitake. Guests routinely leave the pairings to the floor crew, who build custom flights from small-producer jizake without a drop of pretension. Acoustic treatment keeps conversation effortless over the turntable hum, backed by a walk-in waitlist that texts your phone when counter stools clear.
- Analog Sound & Setting: Curated LP records spin over acoustic wall paneling designed to keep conversation effortless across dim, candlelit tables.
- Curated Sake Flights: Staff tailor custom tasting flights drawn from rare regional Japanese bottles, matching each pour to your meal.
- Inventive Bar Dining: The kitchen delivers precise dishes like Murray cod brawn, pork jowl skewers, and crisp leather jacket katsu sandwiches.
What's On at ANTE
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why ANTE Stands Apart
From analog vinyl fidelity and guided sake exploration to flexible solo dining, plan your visit to Newtown's premier listening bar tonight.
Analog Acoustics for Easy Conversation
A dedicated analog turntable spinning physical LPs combined with intentional acoustic soundproofing ensures rich sound while keeping conversations effortless.
the acoustics and sound quality of the bar make for a enjoyable listening experience.
Dan S Intimate Low-Lit Date Night Ambiance
Intimate, low-wattage lighting and a warm, unhurried room create an atmospheric backdrop tailored for one-on-one dates and dinners.
the dim atmosphere made it the perfect spot for a cosy night out.
Helen A Staff-Curated Bespoke Sake Flights
Floor staff guide diners through an expansive jizake library with personalized, educational tasting flights tailored to individual palates.
She is so knowledgeable and paired us with our own type of sakes for the flight and it made it very memorable.
Adhitya Suvarna (Addy) Nuanced Pairings of Plates and Sake
Inventive Japanese-leaning small plates are thoughtfully composed to enhance and complement the flavor profiles of craft sake.
The sake she recommended was delicious, light, well-balanced and paired well with the food.
Jaclyn Forrester Flexible Half Portions for Solo Diners
Solo guests dining at the bar can explore a wide spectrum of the inventive kitchen menu thanks to accommodating half-portion offerings.
great option for solo diners they offer half portions of a lot of the menu so you can try lots of different things.
Tim Wright Effortless Walk-In Waitlist System
ANTE's walk-in model uses a seamless digital notification system, freeing guests to enjoy King Street while their counter seats are readied.
They text when the table is available, making it easy.
Roisin Oates
Most popular items
Guest favorites and signature pours frequently highlighted across customer reviews.
Pork Jowl Skewer
Really enjoyed their snapper crudo, pork jowl skewer and their prawn pasta.
Brandon Wu Tagliatelle with Shiitake Mushrooms
The stand out dish was the Tagliatelle with shiitake mushrooms, so much depth and umami.
Roisin Oates Potato Mochi
We had the ceviche and potato mochi to start - interesting and unique flavours with a flair of Japanese fusion.
Roisin Oates Sake Tasting Flight
Highly recommend doing a sake tasting flight the friendly staff are always happy to pick out a selection for you from their daunting selection.
Tim Wright
Other favorites
Beyond the primary savoury plates and sake flights, these desserts and curated beverages round out the table.
Tripping Out Cocktail
My Tripping Out cocktail was my favourite.
Cris Lee Yuzu Non-Alcoholic Drink
The yuzu non alcoholic drink is super addicting, a popular choice despite it being a sake bar.
Emily Madeleines
Their madelines are just simply the best! Warm, fluffy & light.
Asti Tiana Cheese Dessert
The sake was so good, and the food was just as good too, especially the cheese for dessert.
Karen Maluf
Beyond the menu
Distinct hospitality rituals that elevate an analog evening into an indelible dining experience—join the counter to secure your seat.
Tailored Sake Flight Pairings
Rather than confining guests to a pre-set list, floor staff consult directly on individual taste profiles to pour personalized tasting flights from their extensive craft sake cellar.
Half-Portions for Solo Diners
To ensure solo diners can experience the breadth of the menu, staff actively suggest and prepare half-portions while consulting on hunger levels and ingredient preferences.
Front-Row Hibachi and Kitchen View
Counter seating along the kitchen lets guests watch culinary technique up close, from chefs working the hibachi grill to deliberate plate assembly.
Miniature Origami Crane Farewell
At the conclusion of the meal, the bill is delivered with a delicate miniature folded paper crane as an parting hospitality gesture.
Before you head over
Practical guidance on navigating the door waitlist, curating sake flights, and securing your spot at the counter.
Arrive Early or Leverage the SMS Waitlist
ANTE operates entirely on a walk-in basis, with weekend queues regularly running 30 to 60 minutes. Arrive right at opening to sit immediately, or leave your phone number with the host and enjoy a pre-dinner drink along King Street until they message you.
Trust the Staff with a Custom Sake Flight
Facing an extensive, unfamiliar jizake list can feel daunting, but the team excels at bespoke curation. Tell your server what flavors you enjoy and let them assemble a custom sake tasting flight paired directly to your food.
Request Half-Portions When Dining Solo
Dining alone at the counter is welcomed and well-catered. Staff offer half-portion adjustments across much of the menu, allowing solo guests to explore multiple creative dishes without over-ordering.
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