By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Surry Hills hotspot 40Res - the vibey wine bar led by former Tetsuya’s ex-Chef Josh Raine - is turning up the culinary dial with Hi-Res, a monthly fine dining series that zooms in on every detail, texture and flavour. It’s like seeing your favourite dishes in ultra-high definition.
Josh has spent more than 20 years in Michelin-starred kitchens around the globe and Hi-Res brings that experience straight to Reservoir Street. The menu is a carefully curated multi-course degustation that balances playful innovation with precision.
For the upcoming evening on September 30, expect Kiwami Wagyu with braised bracken and kombu, truffle egg with nettle and smoked cordyceps and the signature Hi-Res white chocolate tart. There’s also a wine match option for anyone wanting to pair each plate with boutique drops handpicked by the resident Sommelier.
"Hi-Res is our response to what our regulars and visitors have been asking for,” says Josh. "We’ve reimagined the experience in a way that feels personal, playful and true to what we’ve created here at 40Res.”
In other words, this is fine dining without the stiff formality. Every detail is heightened, every ingredient gets its moment and every course tells a story.
The concept is simple: take the warmth and charm of 40Res and give it a high-res makeover. The cosy corner location, snack-led menu and approachable vibe remain, but each Hi-Res evening amplifies the textures, flavours and presentation of each dish. It’s the same 40Res you love but sharpened, focused and made cinematic.
Hi-Res also promises some exciting collaborations. Josh is in talks with Josh Angus, Chef Director of Michelin-starred HIDE in London, for a one-night-only edition later this year. With connections like that, it’s clear Hi-Res isn’t just about plating - it’s about putting Surry Hills on the map as a serious dining destination.
Co-owner Keliann Zellman adds that the series is designed to feel relaxed yet special. "We want guests to feel like they can settle in and stay as long as they like while making the Hi-Res experience feel a little more unique,” she says.
The series will evolve seasonally, showcasing Josh’s global inspirations while celebrating locally sourced produce, making it a continually fresh and immersive experience.
Here’s the best part: Hi-Res is approachable. You don’t need a passport to fine dining or a Sommelier degree to enjoy it. It’s a night of elevated flavours, thoughtful wine pairings and precise technique served with the laid-back energy 40Res is known for.
Think of it like your phone screen in ultra-high definition - suddenly every detail pops and everything looks sharper, brighter and more vivid. That’s Hi-Res on a plate.
Bookings for the next Hi-Res evening on September 30 are open at www.40res.com.au. Whether you’re a neighbourhood regular or a curious foodie hunting for your next culinary thrill, this is the kind of night that transforms a simple dinner into an experience worth slowing down for.
So, if you’re ready to see Surry Hills dining in ultra-clear focus, Hi-Res is waiting. Your taste buds will thank you.
