Sydney has long inspired restaurateurs and cocktail afficionados to create the perfect outlets for their creativity. Feel the joy of sharing delicious food and drink with family and friends at these sparkling new bars and restaurants in the city. 

City highlights 

Soaring 245m above street level, Bar 83 sits closer to the clouds than any other venue in Sydney. Located within Sydney Tower, the city centre’s most recognisable landmark, the bar features floor-to-ceiling windows, with the fabulous red-and-white décor referencing the tower’s 40-year history and Sydney’s best 1970s and 1980s bars. Slip into a circular chair and sip on a Pain Pleasure Principle (a smooth mix of cognac, cacao and lemon myrtle) as you soak up the incredible views and toast the tower’s visionary architect, Donald Crone. 

Woodcut, the latest offering from award-winning restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted, can be found at Crown Sydney, set within the Barangaroo precinct on the northwestern edge of the city centre. Australia’s finest seafood, meats and produce are prepared in wood and charcoal grills, wood ovens and steam kettles to create earthy flavours that will leave a lasting impression. 

Northern stars 

On the north side of Sydney there are some recently opened wining and dining spots to explore. Start with drinks at Hendriks Cognac & Wine in Crows Nest, a 15-minute drive from the city. If you’re not yet a devotee of the French brandy, start with one of the 24 cocktails that have made cognac the hero ingredient before moving onto a nip of the premium stuff. Alternatively, grab the food menu and choose one of the savoury jaffles — they are all drizzled with cognac and work brilliantly with a fine glass of wine.  

Ten minutes further north, Sugarlane restaurant, part of The Canopy precinct in Lane Cove, is a sister to Sugarcane, across the other side of the city in Coogee. Here executive chef Milan Strbac dishes up an exciting fusion of southeast Asian flavours in a bright and breezy space. 

Further along the coast on the Northern Beaches, the 1928 Harbord Hotel (formerly the Harbord Beach Hotel) in Freshwater is in the midst of a makeover. The updated downstairs section of the hotel comprises a refurbished courtyard and main bar and Balsa restaurant, where the menu is inspired by salty and smoked flavours and foraged coastline herbs.  

Coastal cool 

Since opening its doors in 2020, the middle floor of Coogee Pavilion, at the northern end of Coogee Beach in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, has proved popular. Do the rounds of the three venues on the middle floor: Will’s offers fresh cocktail blends; Una Más serves tapas and wine; and Mimi’s celebrates its fabulous beachside location with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. 

Further south in Cronulla, The Pines sits looking out over the headland at North Cronulla Beach, its name honouring the Norfolk pine trees lining the vista below. The crisp, Hamptons-inspired interior celebrates the natural beauty of the local coastline, with executive chef James Metcalfe’s innovative menu keeping meat lovers and vegans happy. Kick-start your evening with aperitifs in Après Beach Bar and end it with a decadent dessert in Pines Lounge. 

Western wonders 

Sydney’s Inner West and Western Suburbs have also welcomed several recent additions. In Marrickville, a 25-minute drive southwest of the city centre, Philter blends old and new — the 2020 bar and brewery fit-out pays homage to the building’s original 1960s design while winking at 1980s-style Australiana. From the bar you can peer into the brewery where Philter’s champion craft beers are produced.  

In Parramatta, a 50-minute drive west from the city centre, Lilymu has joined the bustling Parramatta Square food precinct. Executive chef and wok master Brendan Fong adds a twist to the flavours of China and southeast Asia, cooking premium ingredients in searing hot woks over coals. Small shared plates are a great way to sample as many dishes as possible.  

In the suburb of Smithfield, a 20-minute drive from Parramatta, you’ll find Saigon Hustle, a contemporary space dedicated to creating new Asian-fusion classics. Fried lotus chips with tomato spice and chilli mayo, tempura eggplant served with Vietnamese-style ginger dipping sauce and saffron noodles with blue swimmer crab and coconut broth are some of the intriguing dishes on the menu.