Prospect’s tucked-away Indian restaurant has officially entered its next chapter, with Rasooi now relaunched as Rasoi & Barrel under new operators Rennee and her husband Pammi.
The Edgeworth Street venue, known for its leafy garden setting and backstreet charm, has reopened with a refreshed name, new energy and a few early changes to the space and menu. The space is moody and eclectic, drawing diners into its cosy atmosphere from the moment they’re shown to the table.
Rasoi & Barrel opened last week, with Rennee saying the first night was a major milestone for the couple.
“We had the opening night on Friday, which was a massive success,” she said. For Pammi, the opening also marked the beginning of something he had wanted for years.
The restaurant is now open seven days a week, marking one of the first practical changes under the new ownership.
When we first spoke with Rennee, she said the couple did not want to rush into completely changing the venue. Instead, they wanted to get to know the restaurant, its customers and what people loved about the existing offering before making bigger moves.
That approach is still guiding the early days of Rasoi & Barrel, with the team making smaller updates first rather than launching into a full overhaul.
Despite a wet and wild weekend of weather for their opening, Rennee says the feedback from diners has been overwhelmingly positive.
“All the reviews that we’re getting from people, the food is amazing,” she said. “Everyone’s liking the food a lot.”
The new restaurant marks the beginning of a long-held dream for both of them, but particularly for Pammi. Rennee previously told us that her husband has always had a deep love for cooking and had long wanted to run a food venue of his own.
“My husband is a very, very passionate cook,” Rennee said. “He’s always wanted a cafe or a restaurant.”
Rennee is looking after the managerial side of the business, while Pammi is focusing more closely on operations, food and the kitchen.
The opportunity came about after Rennee’s sister and brother-in-law visited from India late last year. Her brother-in-law knew the restaurant’s previous owner and mentioned that the venue may be available, sparking a conversation that soon became a serious possibility.
“My husband came back and he mentioned it, and I was like, ‘We’ll see,’” Rennee laughed. Eventually, after much consideration, she said, “go for it. I’m in with you.”
For the couple, Rasoi & Barrel is still very much at the beginning of its journey, but the early signs are promising. With a refreshed name, seven-day trading, a passionate cook in the kitchen and one of Prospect’s most charming hidden garden settings, the former Rasooi site is stepping into its next chapter.
Rasoi & Barrel
Where: 29 Edgeworth Street, Prospect
When: Open seven days
For more information, click here.
