By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The mouth-watering, meat-piled platters of Hurricane’s may trace their origins back to the vibrant lands of South Africa - however, few places embody the quintessentially Sydney spirit of resilience quite like this famed Australian grill and bar - specifically, the Hurricane’s Grill Circular Quay location.
Known as one of the city’s most iconic waterfront dining spots, Hurricane’s by the harbour has been the backdrop to countless celebrations, long lunches and lazy evenings soaking up the views of Circular Quay.
In late 2024, the venue faced an unprecedented challenge - with a sudden fire bringing the bustling restaurant to an abrupt halt, leaving staff and regulars alike in shock.
For months, the focus wasn’t just on rebuilding the bricks and mortar - it was about preserving the Hurricane’s spirit. Behind the scenes, the team worked tirelessly to keep morale high, support one another and prepare for the day they could welcome diners back to a space that felt both familiar and new. That day has arrived. On September 25, Hurricane’s Circular Quay reopened its doors, marking a fresh chapter for Sydney’s original Hurricane’s.
The transformation is subtle but striking. The newly reimagined waterfront space retains the warm, convivial energy Hurricane’s is known for while introducing contemporary touches that make it feel more polished than ever. Whether you’re coming for a casual catch-up over drinks or a special night out with friends, the venue now offers the perfect backdrop for Sydney’s harbour-side dining scene.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Hurricane’s without a menu designed to impress. Highlights include the boerewors sausage, a traditional South African sausage grilled to perfection and basted in Hurricane’s legendary flavours and chicken sosaties, skewers of apricot, capsicum and onion served with a punchy sriracha mayo.
For those who crave something hearty, the pork ribs - meaty slabs grilled with Hurricane’s signature rib basting - are not to be missed. Vegetarians are also well catered for, with a brilliant bruschetta of roasted tomatoes, marinated feta and Romesco sauce that proves the menu is for everyone.
Beyond food, Hurricane’s Circular Quay has always been a hub for Sydney’s live entertainment scene and the new space is no exception. Guests can look forward to evenings punctuated by live music, turning a simple dinner into an experience that lingers well after the last bite.
According to Hurricane’s Chief Operating Officer, Laura Goldberg, the reopening is also a reminder of the restaurant’s resilience and the dedication of its team. What could have been a devastating setback has instead become an opportunity to refine, renew and elevate the experience.
"It feels like a homecoming, after the heartbreak of closure, it was a chance for us to begin again with gratitude and renewed purpose,” she says.
Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, Hurricane’s Circular Quay, the sequel, may just stand as a better version than the original. A place to celebrate life’s moments with great food premium drinks, and an unbeatable harbour-side view.
