RAFI URBNSURF by Luchetti Krelle

Luchetti Krelle creates a warm, welcoming dining experience at RAFI URBNSURF in Olympic Park, sister to the hatted RAFI restaurant in North Sydney.

Building on the success of its RAFI restaurant in North Sydney, Applejack Hospitality has opened a new iteration – RAFI URBNSURF, located in the city’s only surf park in Olympic Park. To create a relaxed but elevated dining space reflective of its unique locale, Applejack called on Sydney architecture and design firm Luchetti Krelle.

“An expansive wool carpet by First Nations artist Colleen Ngwarraye Morton features abstract symbols of bush medicine and pewter blue highlights that reference the lagoon.”

With the sparkling aquamarine water of the surf park’s lagoon as the backdrop, the design direction could have easily been ‘relaxed Australian coastal’. Instead, Luchetti Krelle took its inspiration from New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region, opting for a combination of warm timber, earthy colours and large expanses of stone. The water isn’t ignored altogether, but referenced in features like the recessed ripples of circular motifs that dot service counters and the stepped, wave-like patterns which frame the shared seating.

Under foot, the space is grounded by smoked oak floorboards and an expansive wool carpet by First Nations artist Colleen Ngwarraye Morton, which features abstract symbols of bush medicine and pewter blue highlights that also reference the lagoon. Lighting throughout has been carefully considered, including aged-brass fixtures from NSW maker Transmitt. Pearlescent globes illuminate blue tiles set within concave arcs dotted around the walls, while perforated linear pendants add a golden sheen to timber surfaces.

“The palette is less dramatic on the light and bright alfresco dining terrace, where stools and raised tables offer unobstructed views of the action on the water.”

There’s a sophisticated collection of textures and patterns, from mosaic-tiled table tops and dining chairs with woven rush backs to printed fabrics in shades of olive, cedar and nutmeg, and transparent coppery red curtains that frame the vista perfectly. The palette is less dramatic on the light and bright alfresco dining terrace, where greenery abounds and stools and raised tables offer unobstructed views of the action on the water.

Under the direction of executive chef Matías Cillóniz, the menu includes perennial favourites from the North Sydney RAFI, including the Raw Platter for two – with East 33 Sydney rock oysters, wild-caught yellowfin tuna from Bermagui, Spencer Gulf kingfish and trevally sourced from NZ – and steamed barramundi from Cone Bay in WA, served with a chickpea, miso and yuzu kosho sauce.

Under the direction of executive chef Matías Cillóniz, the menu includes perennial favourites from the North Sydney RAFI.

Ben Carroll, Applejack’s co-owner and director, says the multi-site venue (there’s a casual eatery, Sandy’s, on the lower floor and an event space, Surf Suite, adjacent to the restaurant) celebrates local produce and sustainability and is an inclusive destination for surfers and non-surfers alike. “We can offer guests at URBNSURF Sydney every dining experience they require, be it a quick snack between surf breaks, a long luxurious lunch, evening cocktails, a corporate event or special dinner.”

Interior design by Luchetti Krelle.