Create Catering, in partnership with David Jones, has unveiled a revitalised Lower Ground Food Hall at the Elizabeth Street flagship in Sydney, marking the launch of Eat at DJ’s, a new destination-led dining platform within the iconic retailer. The reimagined precinct brings together a collection of artisan eateries, designed to elevate the traditional department store food hall into a destination for considered, high-quality dining in the heart of the city.

Led by Create Catering, known for delivering premium hospitality experiences within luxury retail environments, Eat at DJ’s reflects a shift towards experience-led dining, where convenience meets craftsmanship. The offering spans European-inspired comfort, modern Asian flavours, wellness-led beverages and nostalgic classics, each designed to cater to the evolving needs of city workers, shoppers and visitors.

“We’re excited to welcome guests back to a revitalised David Jones Food Hall, where diverse flavours and fresh delights come together once again,” says David Jones Buying Manager Amesbury Hagan.

Create Catering founder and Managing Director Anthony Whitehouse says: “The Food Hall represents everything we believe in, that premium dining doesn’t have to mean predictable. We’ve built eight eateries that each have their own identity, their own story and their own reason to come back for more. Our reputation for shaking up the status quo isn’t just something we say, this Food Hall is the proof.”

At the core of the precinct is a curated mix of new concepts and evolved favourites, each with a distinct identity and offering.

Pan Divino City follows the success of the original Surry Hills restaurant, bringing the Italian hideaway into a more casual city format. Head Chef Adam Bryce anchors the menu around handmade pasta and Italian classics, including gnocchi with smoked short rib ragu, alongside fresh crudo, house-baked focaccia and a lunch offering designed to elevate the everyday.

“With Pan Divino City, we intend to bring our Italian hideaway in Surry Hills to the heart of the city, bringing with it the warm, personable level of service that has been loved by our locals since we opened, making you feel as if you have been invited to dine in our home, not just another restaurant. The menu will feature some of our classic dishes alongside new items to help turn your lunch break into something much more,” says Pan Divino Head Chef Adam Bryce.

Wok Bar brings the energy of live wok cooking to the Food Hall, serving dumplings, noodles, laksa and Thai-Chinese favourites made to order. Hero dishes include prawn nasi goreng, and prawn laksa, bold, flavour-driven dishes designed for quick, satisfying meals.

Good Bagel introduces a bright, abundant offering, with counters filled with house-made bagels and a playful, customisable menu. Guests can build their own combinations, from classic smoked salmon through to indulgent options such as the brisket poppy seed bagel and French toast bagel with whipped wild blueberry cream cheese, alongside a refreshed drinks offering including iced matcha variations.

Swirl focuses on freshly baked cinnamon scrolls, with rotating flavours spanning classic, pistachio and strawberry vanilla. Paired with coffee, matcha and cream-topped iced drinks, the offering is grounded in quality ingredients and consistent execution.

Retro Roast is a love letter to the 1970s and the David Jones food halls of the past, reimagined for today’s diner. Crispy skin roast pork with seasonal vegetables and gravy and a brisket gravy roll lead the menu, alongside platters of brisket, roast pork and spit roast chicken and choice of vegetables and gravy.

Pizzeria brings a focused, quality-led pizza offering to the mix. Slices and whole pizzas are available for both dine-in and quick takeaway, designed for the pace of the city.

Celebration Cake Bar introduces a contemporary dessert offering, with sculptural cakes and sweet treats designed for both individual indulgence and group occasions. Highlights include strawberry Belgian chocolate pots and matcha Oreo cheesecake.

Cool Press Juice Bar rounds out the hall with a premium juice, smoothie and broth bar built around functional nutrition. Beverages are fully customisable with supplements including collagen, spirulina and adaptogens to support skin, gut health and overall wellbeing. The offering is led by the Alchemy Smoothies range; Pretty in Pink, Muscle Nectar, The Pro Metabolic Shake and Matcha Marine, each designed to balance flavour with function.

For Mr Whitehouse, the evolution of the Food Hall reflects a broader shift in how people dine within retail environments.

“We’re seeing a real shift in how people engage with food in retail spaces. It’s no longer just about convenience, it’s about quality, variety and experience,” he said. “With the David Jones Food Hall, we’ve created a destination that brings together different cuisines, formats and dining moments, from quick lunches through to more considered meals, all under one roof.”

Designed to move beyond the expectations of a traditional department store food hall, the precinct positions itself as a central meeting point within the CBD, where food, convenience and experience intersect.

The revitalised Food Hall at David Jones Elizabeth Street in Sydney is now open, inviting customers to discover Eat at DJ’s, a new era of dining within the iconic department store.

David Jones Elizabeth Street Food Hall

David Jones Elizabeth Street – 6/108 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:30am – 7pm

Thursday: 9:30am – 9pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 7pm

Sunday: 10am – 7pm.