Linla, a new Taiwanese-inspired social bar, opened in Surry Hills in March 2026 at the former home of Dead Ringer on Bourke Street. The venue is the latest project from Taiwanese-born restaurateur and mixologist Charles Chang, who also operates Moku, a Japanese fusion bar next door.
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The name comes from a Taiwanese dialect phrase referring to the clinking sound made during a toast. Chang has said the concept was not built around a single culture or cuisine, but rather around the shared experience of raising a glass together, describing that moment as the foundation of the entire space.
The Space
Linla occupies a converted Victorian terrace and seats up to 32 across a two-sided dining room, including bar seats. The fit-out includes ivory walls, walnut finishes and amber leather banquettes alongside a stainless-steel bar. A raised sandstone balcony overlooking Bourke Street seats an additional 20. The venue also has a bespoke theme song, blending contemporary layers with subtle Asian textures.
The Food
Head Chef Montien “James” Thipwongsa leads the kitchen. His background is in Thai cooking, and the menu draws from across Asia. Current dishes include Night-Market Crispy Chicken with Szechuan seasoning and basil; Wagyu Beef Tartare with scallion pancake and yuzu olive oil; Pork and Prawn Wontons in Tom Yum Beurre Blanc; Cha-Cha-Cha Half Chicken with avocado salsa and fermented chilli oil; and Sticky Rice Arancini stuffed with Taiwanese sausage. The menu is structured around share plates.
The Drinks
Chang’s cocktail list includes the Pine & Bloom, which pairs pineapple mead with MSG saline; the Ebi-Tini, made with sakura ebi shochu and sencha; and a Tomato Salad 2.0, a tequila-based cocktail. For non-drinkers, Linla offers a sparkling tea program across jasmine, oolong and chamomile infusions, as well as house-made non-ABV sodas.
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The Omakase
An adjoining private dining room hosts a six-seat omakase experience run by Moku’s chef Ha Chuen Wai. The format is multi-course and seasonal, available by reservation only.
Linla has indicated plans to host guest chef residencies, bartender takeovers and seasonal collaborations following its launch.
Linla is at 413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5:30pm until 12am. Bookings vialinla.com.au
Published 27-March-2026
