92 Restaurants in Sydney: Drinks

Food and wine combine perfectly in wine bars across Sydney, creating a haven of good food and great alcohol, where you don’t have to fully commit to a sit-down dinner, but you’re also not ruling out the possibility of having a few nice snacks throughout the course of the evening. If you’re searching for an upmarket wine bar in Sydney, you’ll be highly impressed with all that the city has to offer. Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales is also one of Australia’s largest cities and houses the harbourfront Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, the arched Harbour Bridge, as well as the Royal Botanic Garden. With a population of 5 million people, there are hundred of wine bars to keep Sydney folks happy. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply for some post-work drinks, Quandoo can help you find the best wine bars in Sydney. By booking ahead you’ll skip queues, and get down to life’s crucial questions, such as – Riesling or Rioja?

As one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, Sydney draws in over 10 million visitors every year. The outdoor lifestyle, iconic harbour, glistening cityscape and urban beach are all key attractions, and the dining and entertainment scene is legendary. You'll also find a huge range of bars and pubs in Sydney, ranging from traditional pubs serving much-loved beer off tap through to glamorous cocktail bars with inspired interiors and award-winning menus.

There’s something very dignified up about eating nice food while you consume copious amounts of alcohol... It makes it seem less antisocial and far more glamourous, so while you’re necking back the wine you can pick at some little plates of tasty food too. Sydney’s coastal location means you’re never too far from fantastic seafood and you’ll find the likes of fresh oysters, garlic and white wine-infused moules frites, calamari, lobster rolls or fresh crab meat salads on offer at wine bars in Sydney. Enjoy nice Italian or French wines in a taverna while eating little plates of antipasti, cured meats, cheeses and vegetables. Get some jamon Iberico, patatas bravas and other tapas while enjoying a lovely full-bodied Tempranillo at Spanish wine bars in Sydney. Or, alternatively go the Aussie barbecue route with a nice Australian Shiraz and a mountain of smoked meats!

From the CBD through to the suburbs of Newtown, Glebe, Bondi and Cronulla, you'll find a dizzying array of bars and pubs in Sydney. The diversity will mean you could try a new venue every night and never get tired. Alongside the drinks, many of the bars and pubs in Sydney also serve great food, making them a great choice for a special meal with friends or family. Many venues can get very busy when the offices spill out after work and then on into the evening, so remember to reserve in advance and secure your table.

Cocktail bars have been popular in Sydney for several decades but today's establishments bear little resemblance to the brash happy hour pubs of the 80s. With every detail considered from the luxurious fixtures and fittings to the prestigious locations and professional bartenders, it’s easy to see why Sydney’s cocktail bars are enjoying an unprecedented surge in popularity. And, let's not forget the drinks – you're likely to find timeless favourites like the martini, the Negroni, the Manhattan or the Singapore Sling alongside modern classics like the cosmopolitan, the Penicillin or the espresso martini. Plus, lots of the most exciting cocktail bars in Sydney also offer their own interpretations of classic drinks where you can sample unique concoctions like the Honey-Buttered Old Fashioned or the Hemingway Special or even, design your own.

No matter what part of Sydney you’re in, the chances are pretty high that you’ll be within spitting distance of a great wine bar... Whether it’s a wine bar with a glorious terrace overlooking Bondi Beach, or a cosy wine bar in a cellar in St Leonards there’ll be one to fit your requirements (or the changing seasons!). Head to Bibo in Double Bay for an upmarket European wine bar with low lighting and a beautiful back yard ideal for the warm Sydney evenings. 10 William Street in Paddington has a big name chef and even bigger flavours – their menu of raw bar snacks is super inventive, and the great accompaniment to a nice bottle of Pinot Noir. Monopole at Potts Point has a seriously impressive wine list, with an affordable tasting menu that’s insanely good value. Cheap and cheerful wine bars are important when Wine Wednesday rolls round but you’re still eagerly awaiting your paycheque, so head to 121 BC in Surry Hills for a glorious Italian wine bar that won’t break the bank.

Some cocktail bars in Sydney specialise in certain spirits, so if you love rum or whisky-based drinks, you're in for a treat at these trendy establishments. Choose from favourites like the mojito, the daiquiri or the Cuba Libre in places where rum is the order of the day or have the mixologist create a special concoction, just for you. Whisky fans might choose a Manhattan or a Whisky Sour or try the tangy boulevardier, a classic that was originally created for Erskine Gwynne in 1927 by Harry McElhone at the world-famous Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The delicious blend of rye whisky, Campari and sweet red vermouth is an excellent example of a custom-made tipple – so why not find your own signature drink with the help of some of Sydney's finest mixologists?

Sydney’s cocktail bars aren’t simply reserved for cocktail fanatics, and no matter your poison, everyone is welcome. Whether you prefer to sample exotic creations made with liqueurs like Chambord, Aperol or St. Germain Elderflower or explore a refreshing range of craft beers in places that easily rival similar establishments in New York or London, there is something for everyone. These inviting Sydney cocktail bars are ideal for lunch or dinner dates too and many offer a range of delicious dishes that blend beautifully with their signature drinks. Look for simple but effective entrees like seared scallops or nibble on sophisticated snacks like antipasti or tapas to go alongside your drink of choice.

Finding a wonderful wine bar in Sydney has never been easier... With Quandoo, all you have to do is filter your search by type, in this case choose ‘wine bars’, select Sydney, set your price range and we’ll do all the hard work by showing you the best wine bars that Sydney has to offer. If you’ve been thinking about organising a night out with friends, family, colleagues or your main squeeze, you’ll find that Sydney’s wine bars have so much to offer. So what are you waiting for?! Book in at one of the many wine bars in Sydney with Quandoo today, and get ready for a glorious evening.

Comfortable seating arrangements, attentive staff and a comprehensive food and drinks list ensures that Sydney's premier cocktail bars are of equal appeal to locals and visitors. See the city's famous sights like the Opera House or Bondi Beach or spend the day at the Australian National Maritime Museum or the Art Gallery of New South Wales, before settling down for a relaxing aperitif. Chic decor and friendly bartenders will make your day all the more special.

As the sun sets over Botany Bay and Darling Harbour, Sydney's trendy cocktail bars undergo a transformation. During the day, cocktail bars in Sydney have a laidback vibe, and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the sunshine. However, after dark, many feature sophisticated entertainment with DJs or pianists that perfectly fit their unique characteristics. Choose from secret 1920s-inspired speakeasies or visit upmarket contemporary hotels to enjoy a memorable evening in the heart of the city.

No matter if it’s a special occasion, or a simple get-together with friends, you’ll feel like royalty as skilled bartenders whip up drinks that reflect your taste and personality, whether it’s a zesty margarita or dry martini or something entirely unique. Just be sure to book though, as many of the Sydney’s top cocktail bars do tend to fill up quickly – especially as the sun goes down – so be sure to reserve a table or booth with Quandoo for your next visit.