Grandfather's | Chinese Restaurant fit out CBD

An instant classic, Grandfather’s is a 140-seater Chinese restaurant in the heart of Sydney’s CBD

Walking between the twin Fu Dog statues and through the doors at Angel Place feels like stepping back in time. Green ANVIL collaborated closely with venue owners Andy Tyson, Mikey Clift and Dan Pepperell, alongside designer Matt Woods, to bring their vision to life.

A bold red-and-black palette sets the tone. Guests step down into the main dining room, where sunken booths line the left-hand side, while a concealed kitchen and additional dining areas unfold to the right. At the centre of the L-shaped space, a striking bar takes pride of place, illuminated by a custom stepped-glass-style light with a soft milk finish. Blue-lit aquariums serve as subtle dividers, creating distinct zones and an intimate atmosphere despite the venue’s generous scale.

2025

CBD Sydney

$2-$3m

350 sqm

Construction brought its own complexities. The site is surrounded by high-traffic venues, including the Merivale Ivy precinct at the rear and a late-trading pub at the front. Operating seven days a week, the restaurant’s finishes needed to balance refinement with durability — elevated enough to realise the design vision, yet robust enough to withstand the steady flow of lunch and dinner services. With an August opening deadline to capitalise on the upcoming Summer period, timing was critical. Delivered on schedule and within budget, the project allowed the venue to launch with impact, earn accolades and quickly establish itself as a favourite.

“Red-shirted floor staff buzz through the loosely L-shaped room, showing you to your booth, bar seat or table, picking out the stars from the menus, ferrying plates back and forth from the hidden kitchen. Red and black carpet zigzags underfoot, and muted lighting keeps everything warm. The space glows red, contrasting with the blue-toned fish tanks decorating the venue” – Broadsheet