Double Happy, the latest offering from Linchpin Hospitality, has officially opened its doors at the Empire Hotel, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic take on Australian-Chinese cuisine. The restaurant, designed with gold trim, vermilion leather seating, and vibrant, familiar flavours, creates an inviting atmosphere that evokes memories of casual dining in the 1980s and beyond.
This new venue blends creative ideas with beloved classics, offering a unique dining experience that balances casual dining with just enough polish to make every meal feel special. Double Happy is a nod to the Australian-Chinese restaurants that have been a staple in local communities, offering comfort food with a modern edge.
A Menu of Nostalgia and Innovation
The menu at Double Happy is a celebration of iconic Australian-Chinese dishes, featuring familiar favourites like beef with black bean sauce, sweet and sour pork, and honey and lemon chicken. However, the restaurant also takes bold steps with creative spins on traditional fare. Dishes like prawn toast tostada and BBQ pork pizza—made with three-day fermented dough, house-made char siu pork, shaved Chinese broccoli, stracciatella, and a drizzle of oyster sauce—introduce a modern flair to the classic menu.
“The Australian-Chinese style of restaurant has a nostalgic appeal, and we felt it was the perfect fit for the community,” says George Calombaris, Culinary Director at Linchpin Hospitality. “The response from locals has been incredible. We’ve already been packing out 100+ diners on Friday and Saturday nights during our soft openings.”
Drinks to Complement the Meal
In addition to the food, Double Happy’s drink selection is a highlight. Guests can indulge in cocktails like frozen lychee martinis, mango pancake pina coladas, and yuzu-shu sake pops. Beer lovers will find options such as Tsingtao, Tooheys Old, and Yulli’s Rice Lager in tinnies or longnecks, while Young Henrys House Lager is available fresh on tap. For wine enthusiasts, there are over a dozen options available by the glass, starting at just $10. Banquet menus are also available, offering a curated selection of the restaurant’s best dishes for $60, $70, or $80 per person.
A Classic, Neighbourhood Dining Experience
Double Happy was designed to evoke the feeling of a decades-old local restaurant, offering a warm and welcoming environment. Located in the front space of the Empire Hotel in Annandale, the restaurant features a stand-alone entrance and a character-filled main dining room. Adorned with dark timber doors, vermilion leather banquettes, and blue tabletops, the space strikes a balance between charm and rustic elegance.
For those seeking a more private experience, Double Happy also offers a 28-seat private dining room, complete with round tables and lazy susans for shared meals and a sense of fun-filled dining.
Double Happy is shaping up to be a beloved spot for both nostalgic dining and new culinary adventures, offering a blend of tradition and innovation in a modern, community-focused setting.
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