Boutique hotels in Sydney
-
Medusa
- Style
- Colourful contemporary
- Setting
- Boho urban village
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Diamant Hotel
- Style
- Back to black
- Setting
- Club-side King’s Cross
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Establishment Hotel
- Style
- Urban glam
- Setting
- Sydney's buzzy CBD
Sydney
Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Sydney.
Restaurants
(+61 (0)2 9964 9998)
Aqua Dining
Suspended above the historic North Sydney Olympic Pool, this sleek and comfortable restaurant boasts phenomenal views over Sydney Harbour Bridge, the opera house and the city's famous Luna Park. The contemporary fine dining on offer is equally impressive. Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point.
Northcliff Street, Milsons Point, Sydney NSW 2061
(+61 (0)2 9969 5050)
The Bathers' Pavilion
A waterfront beach house at Balmoral Beach, on Sydney's lower north shore, the Bathers' Pavilion offers a menu of fresh seasonal produce with an emphasis on local seafood. Opt to dine either at one of the communal tables or in one of the more intimate cushioned booths. The views along the beachfront are spectacular.
4 The Esplanade, Mosman, Sydney NSW 2008
(+61 (0)2 9360 9631)
Bills
This iconic upscale café in Darlinghurst has become world-renowned for its laid-back ambience and superb breakfasts – the New York Times even claimed its scrambled eggs were the best in the world. Locals love the sweetcorn fritters and ricotta hot cakes with honeycomb butter.
433 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
(+61 (0)2 9332 3300)
Billy Kwong
This restaurant on Crown Street serves modern Chinese like no other; the mandarin duck with star anise is culinary perfection. It’s a tiny place and the no bookings policy means there may be a wait, but it’s well worth it.
355 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
(+61 (0)2 9212 7766)
Bodega
For a taste of tapas, this restaurant in Surry Hills glows with contemporary style; its traditional flavours and wine list will appease any connoisseur, and the open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs prepare the delicious meals. Try the fried spiced school prawns.
216–224 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
(+61 (0)2 9357 3074)
Harry's Café de Wheels
Famous for its delicious pies, Harry's has been servicing Sydneysiders for many years and it has a long history of star-studded visitors. Celebrity photos are fixed on the walls of the old pie cart for all to enjoy. There aren't any tables, so grab a seat on one of the wharf's benches and take in the local culture while you tuck into your pie and peas.
Corner of Cowper Wharf Roadway and Brougham Road, Woolloomooloo, Sydney NSW 2011
(+61 (0)2 9365 9000)
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
A great example of the upscale Eastern Suburbs mentality, this restaurant and cocktail bar is in the lifesaving club overlooking one of Sydney’s most iconic pools. Sip a Campari-infused concoction and watch the locals doing laps before tucking into the dining room’s enviable selection of fresh fish.
1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW 2026
(+61 (0)2 9332 2225)
Marque
One of the best culinary experiences to be found in Australia, this three-chef's-hat (the Antipodean equivalent of Michelin stars) restaurant in Surry Hills usually has a month-long waiting list. Book well in advance to sample chef Mark Best's modern take on Franco-Australian cuisine.
355 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
(+61 (0)2 9300 4400)
North Bondi Italian Food
Offering one of Sydney's best vantage points from which to watch the thousands of locals and travellers slowly peel off the sand – leaving an empty Bondi Beach to be transformed by the golden evening light – this stylish restaurant is a favourite of the city's beautiful people, who come here for the upmarket Mediterranean cuisine and excellent wine list. It’s packed to the rafters from 3pm, so fight for a spot on the balcony.
118–120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi, Sydney NSW 2026
(+61 (0)2 9365 4422)
Ravesi's
A Bondi Beach institution, Ravesi's has been serving up Mediterranean-inspired tapas made with fresh local produce to grateful locals for years. The people-watching from the balcony is second to none.
118 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW 2026
(+61 (0)2 9380 8838)
Wasavie
Known for its quality food and chic diners, this wonderful but tiny Japanese fusion restaurant has just one large communal table and it doesn't take reservations. It's worth the wait if you have to queue, though. We recommend the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. Bring your own wine.
8 Heeley Street, Paddington, Sydney NSW 2021
Bars and clubs
(+61 (0)2 9357 1111)
The Beresford Hotel
An art deco gem, this recently renovated hotel is home to some of Australia's finest mixologists, and is an absolute must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in cocktails. If you're worried about drinking on an empty stomach, then take your pick from the irresistible menu of modern Italian dishes available in the sizeable beer garden.
354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
(+61 (0)2 8273 1222)
Ember Bar
Part of Wildfire, a glorious restaurant at the Ground Level Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, this fun venue with a wonderfully subtle music policy is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail while gazing across the shimmering water to Sydney Opera House. Snuggle up in a cosy booth or settle down on one of the oversized leather couches in the outside bar.
Ground Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, Sydney NSW 2000
(+61 (0)2 9240 3040)
Hemmesphere
Inspired by the opulence of the Ottoman Empire, this pricey cocktail lounge in the Establishment Hotel is the place to come for sheer extravagance. Guests stepping out of the elevator walk straight into a sultry room that rivals any of New York or London’s finest.
Level 4, 252 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
(+61 (0)2 9357 4411)
Hugo’s Bar Pizza
As famous for its pizzas as its nightlife scene, this Kings Cross favourite has nonetheless won plenty of Best Bar and Nightclub awards. Tuck into a calzone and then hang around for late-night drinks and dancing.
19–33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point, Sydney NSW 2011
(+61 (0)2 9240 3000)
Ivy
The newly opened Ivy, one of the latest additions to the super-chic Merivale Group’s portfolio, boasts an array of bars and restaurants, including a fabulous open air Pool Club. Wear your most stylish bikini and kaftan, ladies…
330 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
(+61 (0)2 9299 4770)
The Loft
This stunning upstairs cocktail lounge and bar, set at the northern end of King Street Wharf, offers spectacular 180-degree views of Darling Harbour.
3 Lime Street, King Street Wharf, Sydney NSW 2000
(+61 (0)2 9326 9000)
Lotus
Slip past the dining room and you'll find some seriously slick and intimate surroundings, as well as some of Sydney’s best cocktails. Atmospherically bathed in chandelier light, this is one of the city's most desirable bars.
22 Challis Avenue, Potts Point, Sydney NSW 2011
(+61 (0)2 9331 2604)
Royal Hotel
Located at Five Ways, this heritage pub has kept its original architecture and ornate decor. We suggest a cosy table for two on the balcony overlooking the heart of Paddington, with the city skyline as your backdrop.
237 Glenmore Road, Paddington, Sydney NSW 2021
(+61 (0)2 9265 6070)
Zeta Bar
Situated in the Hilton Hotel, this stylish bar is furnished with lavish velvet armchairs, white footstools and flowing drapes, all of which create a private-booth effect. It also offers a stunning outside terrace with spectacular views of the Sydney skyline.
Level 4, 488 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
