This somewhat hidden rooftop is one of Sydney’s best bars for a few reasons. First off, the lush palm-lined outdoor deck is perfect for those seeking a sun-soaked retreat in the city. 

Sydney’s original speakeasy basement bar, The Baxter Inn, is somewhat of a magnet for international accolades — most notably making the World’s 50 Best Bars list several times since its opening in 2012. 

At Continental Deli Bar and Bistro — easily one of the best bars in Sydney — the tin is in. The team serves up an elaborate spread of Ortiz anchovies, La Belle-Iloise sardines and mussels escabeche, alongside other European delicacies, straight from the can.

At home on the middle floor of Coogee Pavilion, Una Más is the lively, playful sibling to fine diner Mimi’s. While the latter pairs crisp white linen with bumps of caviar and frozen vodka, the former is all about wine and tapas. 

An old garage down a service laneway doesn’t sound like your typical spot for a Sydney bar, but that’s exactly where this 20-person mezcal bar has taken up residence. 

Whether you consider Poly a restaurant or a bar, the one thing that’s certain is, it’s a good time. Book a table in advance and come in for a moreish meal of seasonal snacks and woodfired seafood, or nab a spot at the communal table and have a few wines.

You’d be an absolute fool to pass on Redfern’s The Bearded Tit. Named after a moustachioed song-bird, this is a place where colourful characters flock. The Bearded Tit sits on the quiet side of Regent Street, surrounded by a couple of killer cafes and bakeries. 

Tucked down in the basement of the four-storey Hinchcliff House is Apollonia, a cocktail bar made for those seeking negronis and romance. The dimly lit bar is named after a character from The Godfather and embodies the stricken nature of Apollonia.

In recent years, Sydney has been inundated with small trendy bars that have a particular gimmick or schtick. But Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern has managed to stay ahead of the pack without resorting to such theatrics. 

The team behind this local stalwart has always focused on creating a space for music and art lovers. Cafe Freda's is now the grown-up version of its former self, with refined food offerings and and exciting wine list.

Head through a 1920s-style fridge door and wind down a spiral staircase in order to find Manly’s best secret bar, an underground drink den named The Cumberland. 

Pulling inspiration from Dashiell Hammett’s novel The Thin Man and its fictional sleuthing duo Nick and Nora Charles, this sophisticated Sydney rooftop bar is an homage to the roaring 20s and the legendary parties thrown by these characters.

Back in 2018, Sydney lost its beloved dumpling house, Happy Chef, to a fire. But from the ashes came Odd Culture, a natural wine bar with top-notch eats to boot. The Newtown bar comes from the team behind The Old Fitz and The Duke of Enmore, meaning they have dedicated a lot of effort towards creating a fun and laidback atmosphere in additions like the vibrant cocktail list and weekend bottomless brunches.

There’s a few must-try options on a visit to odd Culture — the chicken liver paté and the sour negroni to name one such duo — but it’s the wine list that’s most impressive. Striking at a time when minimal-intervention and skin-contact drops are all the rage, there’s a heap of these on offer here at just about every price point, as well as rare and imported bottles hand-picked by the team. There’s even an Odd Culture bottle shop two doors down so you can take home your favourite drink of the night.

When it looked like Sydney was about to lose the longstanding Piccolo, Bartender Magazine founder Dave Spanton jumped in, saving the beloved Kings Cross space and transforming it into a tiny licensed aperitivo bar. The new venue is not a carbon copy of its nearly 70-year-old former self, but Spanton has successfully managed to give it a makeover without losing its heritage charm.

Try to nab one of the 12 seats inside or one the eight out on the street (this is one of Sydney’s smallest watering holes) and settle in for a fun night of drinking. You’ll find some decent wines and spirits on the long menu, but folks come here for the cocktails, aperitifs and aromatised wines. Pair these tipples with some top-notch hot dogs, toasties and canned sardines as you soak in the vintage allure of the historic Piccolo Bar, one of the best bars in Sydney.

Vermouth is so hot right now. It’s the spirit du jour. And we can think of no better place to delight in the great variety of vermouths than at La Salut in Redfern. The team behind Love, Tilly Devine, Dear Sainte Eloise and Ragazzi have created this Catalan-inspired wine bar for those wanting to celebrate the best parts of this region in Spain.

Sip your way through the Spanish-only wine menu which focuses on bottles from smaller vineyards in Spain, many of which only create natural and biodynamic wines. Then get around pork belly and kimchi croquettes, quail with morcilla crumb and some moreish mussels bathed in hot sauce, served with hot chips. Heaven. Don’t worry if you can’t get to Europe this year. A trip to La Salut will surely cut it for now.

Maybe Sammy is not only on our list of the best bars in Sydney — it’s on just about everyone else’s too, including anyone who gives out bar awards. It was named in the top 50 bars in the world in 2019, 2020,  2021 and 2022 — and named the Best Bar in Australasia at The World’s 50 Best Bars in all four years. The accolades just don’t end.

And it’s clear to see why. The team, led by Creative Director Martin Hudak, has created one of the most spectacular cocktail menus — ranging from mini cocktails to the martini trolleys and extra opulent Premium Pours made from some of the finest spirits in the world. Either come to the famous Sydney bar for affordable cocktails before dinner or really treat yourself by trying some of the very best drinks in all of Australia.

Italian wine importers Giorgio De Maria and Mattia Dicati teamed up with chef Enrico Tomelleri (Ragazzi, Alberto’s Lounge, 10 William Street) to bring this brilliant wine bar to Darlinghurst in 2021. Unsurprisingly, Mediterranean (especially Italian) vinos take centre stage here. And while the team aims to challenge and teach Aussies about different grape varieties, this spot is far from stuck-up and unapproachable. Here, everyone is welcome to come enjoy good food and wine and the lovely staff will guide you through the menu.

Grab a seat in the downstairs wine bar to taste your way through different Italian regions while noshing on classic meat and cheese boards as well as a few small plates of food. Or head upstairs to the restaurant where you’ll find heartier food options that celebrate underrepresented Italian ingredients. Enjoy a spectacular Italian food and wine tour without leaving Darlinghurst.

Head to the Newtown end of Enmore Road, following the blue hues streaming out of its neon light sign, to find this somewhat psychedelic Sydney bar full of gin and vodka lovers. Like its sister bar, Tio’s, you’ll get a complimentary bag of seasoned popcorn as you sip on drinks at Bar Planet. But instead of margaritas, here you’ll find a short but impressive selection of martinis. Down one of these bad boys to see why we placed it on this list of the best bars in Sydney.

The signature Bar Planet Martini is made with a seasonal gin created in collaboration with Poor Toms distillery, served with an olive and citrus from a lemon rind. Simple. But effective. You really shouldn’t mess with the classic martini. But if you will, then let these pro bartenders take the lead. Try the Scorpino, made from a mix of P&V prosecco, vodka and an in-house gelato based around a different seasonal fruit each week. You can even order from Saray next door for Sydney’s best (and possibly only) snack pack and martini combo.

If you’re looking for an intimate Sydney wine bar that only serves the good stuff, then Love, Tilly Divine is the place to go. The name of the bar is an ode to east-Sydney’s past, a tribute to a local 1930s brothel madam who performed acts of charity in the area. Its size means its perfect for an intimate occasion. Head in with a date or get in some on-on-one time with a mate.

A Darlinghurst stalwart, the tiny wine bar is equal parts cosey and classy. The wine list is more than extensive, boasting over 300 varieties of great local and international vino with quality glasses of red or orange wine starting from $12. Be sure to add a few bar snacks to your order as well, not missing the fried artichoke hearts and mushroom croquettes.

PS40 was started by the creators of PS Soda, an alternative to sugary, soulless mixers.While it was originally a way to showcase these bright and bubbly sodas, it’s since evolved to become a hotspot for some of this city’s tastiest and most inventive cocktails. Hidden down Skittle Lane you’ll discover a mad scientist’s lab of beverages. Signature cocktails like the Africola are unlike anything you’ve ever tried, mixing Mr Black coffee liqueur with native cola and hot coconut foam, creating an explosion of flavour in your mouth with two distinct textures and temperatures at the same time.

The cocktail list is never stagnant, but you might find a nostalgic favourite like the Mango Weiss Bar, taking you right back to your childhood summers or the one-of-a-kind Breakfast Negroni infused with banana bread and coffee beans. Just head into PS40 and hand over your trust to the bartenders as they take you on the latest alcoholic adventure they’ve thought up. You’ll quickly discover why our editors have voted it the best bar in Sydney.