Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Neil Perry has opened Next Door,  the latest venture to grace the corner of Bay Street and Guilfoyle Avenue in Double Bay.

The venue is casual-chic, featuring a rolling 12-hour lunch-to-dinner service, a walk-in only policy and those famous Perry burgers with David Blackmore wagyu salt beef, mustard and American-style cheese ($39).

"It's just a place to get some really nice hospitality, chill out and enjoy your day," says Perry.

"You'll be able to pop along at any time of the day and have a bite to eat, or something to drink, that's of the same quality as we're making next door at Margaret."

Sandwiched between Baker Bleu and Margaret, the indoor dining area is small and comfortable, with light rattan and white linen furnishings, marble-top tables and an open kitchen. 

"It's just a place to get some really nice hospitality, chill out and enjoy your day."

In a twist of fate, the opening of Next Door was pushed back to coincide with the one-year anniversary of Perry opening his award-winning $5 million restaurant Margaret.

"It wasn't planned, it just sort of worked out that way," Perry says. "It was meant to be."

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While the burger is undoubtedly the "hero" dish, Perry recommends ordering a few dishes to share between friends.

"Definitely try the bread [supplied from neighbouring bakery Baker Bleu] and butter ($6) with something like the shaved prosciutto ($16) and some anchovies ($24), sardines ($19) or clams ($36). You know, just some antipasti," he says.

"Maybe grab some buffalo mozzarella ($26) or the fresh ricotta ($12) we make on site every day.

"It's all very much about sharing."

Next Door boasts an extensive cocktail menu and a "nicely manicured wine list" with around 40 wines available by the glass.

"I'd probably start by having a native negroni then I'd slip into some delicious wines," Perry suggests.

"I think a lot of people next door at Margaret love the martini and the 'Spicy Margaret' and they'll also be here."

Best seat in the house

You won't be able to reserve a table ahead of time, but if it's available upon arrival Perry recommends sitting at a table by the window.

"Or you could sit outside and take it easy, surrounded by the nearby parklands" he says.

"It's a good spot to do some people watching, into Margaret and the bakery."

Perry hopes the new venue will offer a little more flexibility for local residents and workers, particularly given the no-reservation policy. 

"The nice thing about this is it'll be open all day [from 12pm to 12am], so you have the flexibility to have a late lunch or an early dinner," he says.

"There's a lot of hospitality workers and retail workers around Double Bay who appreciate being able to go out somewhere to eat after their shift."

Open from 6pm Wednesday and 12pm Thursday to Sunday.

30-36 Bay Street, Double Bay; instagram.com/nextdoordoublebay