Sydney’s Best Bars and Restaurants: How to eat and drink your way around Sydney, Australia
During my recent trip to Sydney, I had the pleasure of touring some of the best bars and restaurants the city has to offer. If you are planning a visit, this comprehensive list will ensure you have a great time down under. I know the list may seem quite extensive, and you may be thinking, how did you visit that many bars and restaurants in a week? Let me reassure you I have the liver of a champion, and I would never recommend anything I didn’t personally experience.
Sydney’s Central Business District (Downtown)
Bars
Old Mates might be a little challenging to find, however its well worth the efforts for this charming roof top bar with expertly hand crafted cocktails.
Love mezcal, tequila? then this 20 person mezcal bar is for you. Located in a secluded laneway you can choose from a traditional style margarita or something more exotic, the bartenders will help you navigate their wide selection of mezcal.
If views and an outdoor vibe is what you are craving Smoke Bar has both. This third floor bar, with sweeping waterfront views, delivers on views, aesthetics, and well crafted cocktails.
Popular with the after work crowd, Establishment is a historic venue which boats a striking 42-metre-long marble bar, serving up a variety of drinks.
Set high on a roof top, the Rook offers unique cocktails, a range of delicious food options, encompassed with friendly staff members who make your visit truly memorable.
If an old world vibe is what you are searching for, than this French military-inspired bar is a must visit. Serving up custom cocktails and Parisian street food the atmosphere and vibe of this bar is spot on.
Nothing is more alluring than a secret or hidden bar, especially if that bar has expertly crafted cocktails and a wonderful vibe. Located down two flights of concrete stairs beside a coffee shop, there is no cell phone service down here, which makes you feel truly detached form the bustling city above.
If the weather is nice and you feel like spending some time outdoors the Bopp & Tone patio is the place to be in the CBD. Surrounded by lush plants it feels like an escape from the busy city.
Hotel CBD
After work drinks are a must at the Hotel CBD bar, a popular place to meet, the drinks are good and the atmosphere is enjoyable.
Regarded as one of Sydney’s most prestigious venues, this after dark cocktail lounge is the place to be seen.
Restaurants
This bustling restaurant is reminiscent of a European brasserie, but offers a fine dining experience. There is nothing not to love about this restaurant, from its quirky decor, open kitchen which is more like a stage, to the high quality produce, a meal here is an experience.
Hotel Palisade / Henry Deane’s
I came for the view, but I stayed for the food and drinks. Set on the roof of the Palisade Hotel, Henry Deane’s offers sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge, while serving up perfectly executed food and unique cocktails. The food is all served family style and is intended for sharing, which is personally my favorite way to eat.
Chica Bonita (which means “pretty girl” in Spanish) serves up a wide variety of modern Mexican cuisine. If you like things spicy be sure to order a Jalapeno Margarita, you wont be disappointed.
Set on top of a Westfield Shopping center you are immediately transported to another world. The bar and restaurant has done an impeccable job transporting you to another world as soon as you step off the elevator. Regardless of whether you want to grab a drink on the patio or sit down for an intimate 3 course meal, Babylon has something for everyone.
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities for eating and drinking in the Southern United States, and its well renowned for its moreish cocktails and southern comfort food. NOLA Sydney has done an excellent job transporting you to half way around the world with its decor and menu options, sit back relax and be teleported to another city.
If you want to feel like you are eating at a Texas Mexican restaurant in the middle of Sydney then El Camino is the place to go. As they say everything is bigger in Texas, this certainly rings true here, the margaritas are so large they are hard to pick up, and the nachos are big enough for 3 people to share.
Café
Craving a good coffee and a cheese toastie (grilled cheese sandwich), this little hole in the wall has exactly what you are looking for. With over 10 flavors of cheese toasties to choose from there is a flavor to suit everyone, I would recommend the Vegemite and cheese toastie for those looking for a true Australian flavor profile.
Outside the Sydney Central Business District
Looking to get out of the city center? Here are a couple of suggestions just outside the city for a more relaxed vibe.
Beach Please! If ocean views and perfectly executed food is what you are craving, than Bathers Pavillion in Mosman is the place to go. Set on the beach, the restaurant offers a modern beach vibe with sweeping views of the water.
If you are worn out from the fast pace of Sydney’s CBD, this quiet wine bar is a great place to reset and unwind.
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