The Den Cafe and Bar, Engadine, reopens after lockdown

The couple said it was "great to welcome people back into the restaurant" when they threw open the doors at 1009 Old Princes Highway.

The buzz around the place during the first Friday and Saturday night back was "joyful".

"We have implemented a number of changes that the break allowed us the time to do, including a QR code based menu for in house dining called Mr Yum which allows customers to order from their table on their phones" the Halls said.

But while takeaway was popular during the lockdown, "nothing beats the personal connection of having people back in the venue".

"There is no substitute to drinking a cocktail nicely presented in a martini glass with garnish, instead of a plastic cup!" the Halls said.

"We have also had people just loving how well a steak can be done in a restaurant, or treating themselves to various courses of Tapas. Not to mention the difference in experiencing a cold tap beer with their friends!"