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Renowned Chef Shares Favorite Dining Spots in Sydney for 2025
13 Nov
Summary
- Culinary Director Patrick Friesen revamps Opera Bar and oversees Applejack's menus
- Highlights favorite restaurants like By Sang in Zetland and Sang by Mabasa in Surry Hills
- Excited to showcase Sydney's diverse food scene through collaborations with local producers
As of November 13th, 2025, Patrick Friesen, the Culinary Director at Applejack, has shared his favorite dining spots and experiences from the past year. Friesen, who recently oversaw the revamp of Opera Bar, has been with Applejack for the past three years, previously working in some of Australia's most prestigious kitchens.
Friesen highlights several standout venues, including By Sang in Zetland, which he praises for its a la carte omakase-style sushi, and Sang by Mabasa in Surry Hills, where he enjoys the home-style Korean cooking. The chef also raves about a recent trip to Flavour Town in Seoul, where he reconnected with former colleagues, and a family meal at Ju Xing Home in Hong Kong, which he describes as an "understated" yet amazing Cantonese restaurant.
Looking ahead, Friesen is enthusiastic about the opportunity to showcase Sydney's diverse food scene through Applejack's venues. He is particularly excited to partner with local producers, suppliers, and farmers to bring their stories and flavors to life. "This is a love letter to Sydney, and we will showcase to the world what the most delicious city on earth is all about," he says.
