White Horse
pubgood for groupsfriendly service
A transformed Surry Hills institution where executive chef Jed Gerrard serves modern Australian dishes with native ingredients downstairs, while the upstairs terrace bar pours cocktails by PS40's Michael Chiem.
4.7
(332 reviews)GoogleHappy Hour Deals
Happy Hour
Tuesday – Sunday
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Best For
PubOutdoor SeatingTakes ReservationsBar FoodBarWine Bar
381 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
MondayTodayClosed
Tuesday5:30pm – 11pm
Wednesday5:30pm – 11pm
Thursday5:30pm – 11pm
Friday12pm – 11:30pm
Saturday12pm – 11:30pm
Sunday12pm – 9pm
The Vibe
- Ground floor: The elegant dining room balances luxury with warmth through bold artworks and soft textural elements inspired by Surry Hills' sandstone foundations. Expect couples settling in for date nights and groups of four sharing plates that punch above their price point.
- Upstairs: The public bar contrasts dramatically with eye-catching block colours - a dark green marble bar, velvet ottomans and blue leather tub chairs. The open-air terrace garden keeps things muted with natural finishes and leafy surrounds.
- Energy shift: The restaurant hums with conversation over creative dishes like veal tongue French toast, while the upstairs bar gets livelier as groups move between the indoor marble bar and the terrace garden. Both levels maintain the welcoming feel despite the obvious upgrade from the old White Horse.
What People Love
- The food program: Jed Gerrard's modern Australian menu hits the brief of affordable luxury, with standouts like smoked Ora King salmon and dry-aged Aylesbury duck sitting below $50. Native ingredients appear throughout, from roasted chicken skin with Davidson plum to Wagyu tri-tip with chestnut mushrooms.
- Wine accessibility: James Audas has assembled a 120-bottle list with plenty under $80 and 16 by-the-glass options that work for both diners and drinkers. The 50-50 split between Australian-New Zealand and international makers gives serious range.
- Cocktail creativity: Michael Chiem's program echoes the kitchen's native ingredient focus in drinks like the Queen's Gambit with Davidson plum, white rum and Maraschino. The Continental with bourbon, smoked maple and grapefruit shows similar technical ambition.
The Neighbourhood
- Crown Street position: Sitting at 381 Crown Street, the White Horse holds down a prime stretch where Surry Hills' restaurant density peaks. The iconic white facade with its rooftop stallion remains a landmark, even as everything inside has been transformed.
- Local competition: The overhaul puts it in direct conversation with the area's other serious dining rooms, though the pub bones and upstairs terrace bar give it a different energy than the straight restaurants nearby. The dual-level approach means it works for both the after-work Crown Street crowd and weekend diners.
- Transport access: The location places it within easy walking distance of Central Station, making it accessible for both locals and visitors willing to venture slightly south of the main Surry Hills strip. The transformation from neighbourhood pub to destination restaurant reflects the suburb's broader evolution.
Nearby in Surry Hills
Ratings from Google