Establishment Hotel

Local restaurants

If you've sampled the Establishment Hotel's fab clutch of bars and restaurants but are still hungry for more, head for the white-hot ivy complex nearby, also owned by entertainment players Merivale. A one-stop shop for all things hip and happening, it embraces a stack of bars, restaurants and even a pool spread over 330 and 320 George Street (for reservations for any of them, call +61 2 9240 3000).

With zingy yellow and white seats, floral-patterned lighting and a green lawn-like floor, New York-style grill Mad Cow at 330 George Street is a hot tip for superior steaks (as well as vegetarian options), with a menu designed by super-chef Peter Doyle, as well as good wine. For modern Japanese at the same address, hit Teppanyaki, where you can choose between dishes from 'the wok', 'the teppan grill' and 'the kitchen'. Its black-fringed pendant lights, dark wood communal tables and wait staff in kimono-inspired garb, add to the luxe oriental vibe.

At 320 George Street, glam options include Sushi Choo, which offers modern conveyor-belt sushi with a funky interior combining white marble with bold red stools and pendant lights. At Uccello on level four, which overlooks the adjoining Poolclub deck, head chef Massimo Bianchi creates southern Italian dishes with a Roman leading star. Decor is a subtle blend of white and wood with hits of yellow and textured ceramics adding appealing accents.

Nearby Bistro CBD at Level 1, King Street (+61 2 8297 7010) has an excellent lunchtime bistro menu including tasty roast lamb. It's look is classically stylish, with elegant white pillars, wide arched windows and wooden floors.

Local bars

While you're at the ivy complex at 330 George Street, don't miss the much-feted ivybar, a clean-lined, monochrome wateringhole which lives up to the hype. Upstairs on level two, the darkly seductive ivylounge cocktail bar has a 1950s feel, with dark wood-lined walls, dusky rattan chairs, white tables and retro-chic lounge chairs in contrasting citrus hues (plush plants add an exotic touch). The art deco-inspired den room at the same venue is an intimate spot for a more private drink, with plush buttoned sofas, high-backed chairs, silk ottomans and a mirrored bar. For a more casual beer at street level below, The Royal George, takes its cue from the typical British pub, with brick paving, timber surfaces and a pool table. Ideal for UK expatriates abroad nostalgic for their favourite hang-outs!

Local cafes

Tiny, intimate French-style bistro Ash Street Cellar (+61 2 9240 3000), at 1 Ash Street, tucked away down an alley beside the ivy complex, has a fine wine list but is also a good place for grabbing a coffee, with seats both inside and out on the quiet pavement. The decor mixes raw wood, graphic pattern and a dash of dark, Gothic opulence.

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Sydney, check out our Sydney eating & drinking guide

Worth getting out of bed for

Sydney's CBD (Central Business District) is bustling with great retail therapy. Hot stores in the area include Australian accessories label Mimco (+612 9232 2629), at 320c George Street, beside the ivy complex. Cult label Sass & Bide (+61 2 9232 4393) is at Shop 6, ivy, 320 George Street, right nearby.

For a full list of recommended activities in Sydney, check out our Sydney destination guide