Touch Wood Opens as Sydney Fish Market’s New All-Day Dining Destination

Sydney’s new Fish Market has just gained a standout resident, and it’s one designed to linger over. Perched on a sun-drenched corner terrace overlooking the harbour, Touch Wood arrives as the precinct’s dedicated all-day dining destination—an elegant, seafood-forward restaurant redefining Australian brunch culture from morning through to evening.

Spanning 300 square metres, Touch Wood pairs relaxed sophistication with a strong sense of place. Inside, native Australian florals, warm timber finishes and a striking hand-painted flora mural by Kong Design set the tone: polished but welcoming, contemporary yet grounded in the landscape. With seating for 150 guests—including 100 coveted north-facing outdoor seats soaking up harbour views and all-day sunshine—it’s the only venue in the market to offer this prized vantage point.

Behind the concept is hospitality veteran Tyson Rowsell, whose résumé includes co-founding beloved neighbourhood cafés Dirty Red in Glebe and Rozelle, as well as a senior leadership role at The Grounds of Alexandria. That background shows in Touch Wood’s balance of ambition and approachability: a venue designed to feel equally at home hosting a quick weekday coffee, a leisurely long lunch or an early evening dinner by the water.

At the helm of the kitchen is Head Chef Courtney Blyde, bringing more than 15 years of experience across some of Sydney’s most respected kitchens, including Baba’s Place, Canva, The Apollo and Cho Cho San. His menu is driven by clean, seasonal flavours and a refined sense of restraint, shaped by Samoan heritage and a New Zealand upbringing. The result is brunch with personality—seafood-forward, bright and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Traditional Australian favourites are reimagined with premium local seafood at the centre. Think Crab & XO Butter Crumpets that transform a breakfast staple into something distinctly market-worthy, a Fish Chowder Pie that nods to nostalgic comfort while celebrating the day’s catch, and the Market Day Plate, a rotating showcase of seasonal produce sourced from trusted local suppliers. Pricing sits comfortably within luxury-casual territory, with breakfast and lunch dishes ranging from $20 to $40, and dinner offerings from $25 to $45.

Coffee is treated with equal reverence. Led by industry expert Paul Cabezas-Heathwood—whose career spans Veneziano Coffee Roasters, The Grounds of the City and Dirty Red—the program is designed as an immersive experience. Rotating selections from Sydney’s top boutique roasters, experimental brewing techniques and a strong emphasis on provenance ensure that every cup tells a story, whether you’re grabbing a takeaway or settling in for a slow morning.

Beyond food and drink, Touch Wood leans into community. The venue is family-friendly, with dedicated children’s menus, flexible seating and plans for school-holiday activities. Accessibility has been thoughtfully considered, with level access, generous spacing between tables and a location adjacent to the car park lifts. It’s a space built to welcome everyone, without compromising on style.

Opening on January 19, 2026, Touch Wood will mark its arrival with a calendar of special events, from happy hours and wine tastings to coffee education sessions and local supplier takeovers spotlighting sustainable produce and artisan craftsmanship. In a precinct defined by freshness and movement, Touch Wood offers something a little rarer: a reason to slow down, settle in and savour Sydney’s seafood culture from sunrise to sundown.

www.touchwoodsydney.com.au