On Sydney’s Oxford Street, Dr. Goodes has officially opened in Paddington, bringing a music-led pizza and cocktail bar to Sydney’s Inner East.
The new venue is the work of a group of Sydney hospitality veterans, with head of beverage Brandon Martignago of Dulcie’s Kings Cross helping shape the drinks and overall direction of the space.
“The concept of Dr. Goodes draws on the spirit of disco not as a theme, but as an influence brought into a modern context through a nostalgic filter,” says Martignago.
“It’s about creating a space that feels open, unpretentious and built around people, music and atmosphere.”
By day and early evening, the venue leans into pizza, cocktails, and relaxed drinks, before shifting into what the team calls a “boogie den” later in the night, with DJs and dance-focused programming taking over the room.
The food offering centres around New York- and Roman-style pizzas, ranging from classic Margherita and Pepperoni to more left-of-centre options like Prawn Saganaki and ‘Nduja, plus a Wagyu Pastrami pizza with gruyere and pickled cabbage. There’s also snacks, desserts and an “ultimate cheese toastie” on offer.
“Pizza is the ideal dish for Dr. Goodes as it’s designed to work with the venue–starting as a substantial offering early on before becoming a great sharable, snackable option as the space unfolds into the more social, late-night vibe,” Martignago says.
Drinks focus on approachable cocktails designed for easy drinking and the dancefloor, with tap cocktails including spicy margaritas, espresso martinis, palomas and spritzes, alongside signature cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options.
“The Dr. Goodes drinks menu is full of recognisable styles but with some fun, modern riffs designed to taste great and be a fun yet easy partner for the dancefloor,” says Martignago.
Music sits at the centre of the venue, with Sydney DJ Richy Penny curating a rotating lineup of local and guest DJs across Thursday to Saturday nights.
“Music evolves with the space at Dr. Goodes,” says Penny.
“It starts with more relaxed, groove-led sets earlier in the evening before building into higher-energy selections as the night progresses.”
Inside, the venue takes cues from a 70s-inspired boogie lounge, combining velvet upholstery, timber, leather and steel finishes with booths, lounges and bar seating designed to shift naturally from dinner into late-night dancing.