Arms Length Bar in Sydney’s Potts Point has embarked on an exciting new chapter with the appointment of The Waratah and Three Blue Ducks alum Dipti Karnad as its new head chef. 

Drinks Digest sampled Karnad’s new menu last week and were captivated by the New York-inspired neighbourhood bistro, with its fairy light-filled courtyard and welcoming open fireplace.

Owned by sisters and experienced hospitality operators Rebecca O’Shea, Rosie O’Shea, Danielle Sue and her husband, ex-Ormeggio at The Spit chef Jeff Sue, Arms Length originally opened in Redfern in 2021 before relocating to a terrace house on Kellett St in Potts Point in 2024.

The extensive wine list has a focus on boutique Australian producers, while the cocktail list includes a dedicated martini menu, with each drink also available as a mini.

Our visit kicked off with a delicious Yuzu & Lychee Martini, featuring Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin, beside the open fire before we settled into a cosy booth for two.

Co-owner Jeff describes the Arms Length menu as “elevated comfort food”, with the team aiming to create an atmosphere that feels like going to a friend’s house for a dinner party, but with your own personal chefs.

We sipped zesty Aylesbury Estate Vermentino from Western Australia’s Ferguson Valley while sampling small plates including warm house-marinated olives and chickpea panisse with aleppo pepper and black garlic aioli, with the highlight being white anchovy toast with whipped cod roe.

For our mains, we shared conchiglie pasta with cavolo nero, ricotta and walnut; followed by Coonable angus sirloin with brandy and peppercorn sauce, caper salsa, shoestring fries and mixed leaves with champagne vinaigrette.

Karnad (above) was famed for her steaks at The Waratah and that reputation will continue to grow at Arms Length. Our angus sirloin was served perfectly medium rare and tender, with the brandy elegantly elevating the peppercorn sauce.

The 2022 Il Cattivo Montepulciano from South Australia’s Limestone Coast with its rich blackberry and boysenberry notes was an excellent match for our steak.

To finish, we shared a light, creamy tiramisu before reluctantly venturing back into the night.

Arms Length is located at 7 Kellett St in Potts Point. Visit armslength.au for more information or to make a booking.