“What’s modern Australian food like?” – it’s a question every Aussie has been asked whilst travelling abroad. In a flailing attempt to answer, I tend to skip the Vegemite, kangaroo and damper clichés and instead herald our melting pot of cultures, the availability of wonderfully fresh produce, Asian flavours, European techniques and our obsession with coffee.

Now try to describe Australian architecture and interior design. Again, no easy feat and you’ll agree that it’s difficult distil it all into a neat one liner. Or is it?

Enter 12-Micron Restaurant in Sydney’s Barangaroo. Self described as “casual, beautiful and modern, much like Australia itself” this new 230 seat restaurant by SJB is the embodiment of all things Aussie and an amalgamation of the best things this country has to offer. A restaurant, lounge and dessert bar in one, this ambitious new venture is already a crowd favourite.

SJB have taken a spacious site and turned it into a series of intimate spaces where every facet of the design has been considered. Not only have SJB championed a contemporary Australian aesthetic but they’ve exemplified it with custom designed elements such as the partitions, bar, shelving, reception table, fittings and soft seating.

12-Micron, draws on the colours and tones of the spotted gum with an irresistible palette of dusky pink furniture, muted grey stone, blond timber tables, bark-like leathers and earthy tableware. The idea of the spotted gum’s rougher texture has also been introduced “through leathered finished granite as well as loose fit leather sofas and banquets with ruffled detailing.” Actual spotted gum has been planted throughout for rich tonal nuance, while colourful native arrangements of wattle, bottlebrush and banksia brighten the room.

According to SJB, the design considered the relationship between Sydney’s native flora and urban context where “the combination of a grid pattern overlay is contrasted with the natural texture of eucalyptus.” This grid pattern is represented by small grey tiles and cobbles which wrap the floors and walls. The subdued softness of the furnishings and honey-timbered joinery against the colder stone may seem incongruous but the effect is quite harmonious and really appealing.

A micron is a unit of measuring the quality of wool and true to its name, 12-Micron Restaurant aims to knit together an exceptional experience of Australian cuisine and design. As you sit within 12-Micron and gaze upon the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, you can’t help but bask in how fortunate we are to be afforded with such pleasures. Next time someone is curious about Australian food, send them here!

[Images courtesy of SJB Interiors. Photography by Felix Forest.]