Project Team

Interior design: Dah Lee
AV: Sparco Electrical

Capital Grill is a Manhattan style wine bar and grill situated in the heart of the Sydney CBD. It features a luxurious mezzanine dining level, a courtyard bar that boasts a 6 metre Onyx island bar, and an espresso bar.

Owner Dah Lee began his restaurant career in 1982 when he opened his first venture “Armadillo Café” at the age of 22 while still studying Law at Victoria University in Wellington NZ. Subsequently he spent 5 years in Fashion gaining recognition with the launch of his own label “Salamander Clothes”.

Lee returned to the restaurant industry in 1988 with his next concept “Café Paradiso” an iconic establishment at the centre of the dining and entertainment scene in Wellington for over 10 years. Lee then created a succession of high profile restaurant and bar concepts including: City Bistro in the newly refurbished Wellington Art Gallery, Piazza Caffe, The Blue Room, Red Mole, Monkey Bar & Bistro, Theatro, a fine dining establishment which immediately won the 1ZB restaurant of the year award, and Boxhouse Café bistro & eaterie in Auckland.

Lee subsequently made the transition to Sydney where he helped colleague Tonci Farac launch Wildfire restaurant at Circular Quay in 2002. Lee also assisted with the relaunch of Ocean Room some years later.

Throughout the years Lee has built a following for his original and contemporary concepts as well as his stylish interior design, having been awarded recognition for the interior of Paradiso Bar by the Resene Architectural award. Lee has also worked with some of the most promising young chefs over the last 28 years.

“With the Capital Grill we wanted to create a room with a dark and natural ambiance by using natural timber veneers and leathers,” explained Dah. “These reflect a mature, established and luxurious feel. There are also elements of excitement with bright spots of light and reflection whether that be a feature light or shining silver ornament each of which has its own unique design character. The feature art by contemporary German artist Tilo Kaiser (tilokaiser.com) introduces colour and fun into the room.”