RAFI URBNSURF Sydney

RAFI Expands to URBNSURF, Sydney Olympic Park.

Earlier this year, Applejack Hospitality made waves with the announcement of a partnership with URBNSURF Sydney, the first-ever surf park in NSW set to open its doors in Autumn 2024. Today, we’re thrilled to ride the excitement even higher as we reveal the details of the highly anticipated food and beverage offerings that will transform URBNSURF Sydney into an unparalleled culinary destination.

Our acclaimed North Sydney restaurant, RAFI, is set to conquer new heights with the announcement of its second location – RAFI URBNSURF Sydney. This upper-level, 200-person premium dining experience with a rooftop terrace not only maintains the brand ethos of its North Sydney counterpart but adds a surf-inspired twist to elevate your dining experience.

Guided by the esteemed design firm Luchetti Krelle, a longstanding collaborator on Applejack venues, RAFI URBNSURF Sydney’s interiors draw inspiration from the coastal elements of Sydney. The tonal and pared-back design, inspired by the Northern Rivers, creates a unique style that harmoniously complements the coastal charm of our North Sydney venue, with an epic surfside view.

RAFI URBNSURF Sydney will be helmed by RAFI Executive Head Chef Matias Cilloniz, who is stepping up into a new multi-site Executive Chef role. The RAFI menus celebrate freshness and seasonality, with a focus on responsibly sourced seafood, vegetables, and grass-fed beef and lamb, all prepared over a charcoal grill to enjoy shared. Crowd favourites from RAFI North Sydney, including the famed South Coast tuna, will be featured on the URBNSURF menu.  

Additionally, a destination cocktail menu, led by Group Beverage Manager Joe Worthington and RAFI Bar Manager Cameron Freno, will showcase closed-loop sustainability, offering unique and theatrical serves such as the Sub-Zero Oyster Martini and Sub-Zero burnt butter and pecan Old Fashioned, plus a wine-list featuring global wine icons and famous Champagne houses. 

Patrick Friesen, Culinary Director, Applejack Hospitality says “The partnership between Applejack and URBNSURF Sydney is such a unique opportunity for myself and the culinary team. With the launch of  RAFI URBNSURF and Sandy’s we’re excited to bring top-quality, sustainable food at premium and accessible price points to Sydney Olympic Park, for fancy to casual occasions.

Following the triumph of RAFI North Sydney, it was a natural progression to entrust Matias with opening our second location, alongside Sandy’s. We can’t wait to welcome the URBNSURF and Western Sydney communities to our premium restaurant, and surfers and spectators of the park to our all-day eatery Sandy’s – where you can walk up in your wetsuit for seriously good snacks and drinks. Here’s to a wave of delicious new dining experiences!”