Best New Bars in Sydney: Your Guide to the Best Bars That Opened in 2022

As we settle into a new year and holidays are now a distant memory, we need to find ways to keep the good vibes flowing! What better way than sipping on a tropicool seltzer in a Palm Springs-style pop-up on Bondi beach, or perhaps a glass of bubbles with a side of panoramic Sydney Harbour views? 

The Sydney bar scene is well and truly buzzing and consider this article your one-stop-shop for all the hottest new openings and best bars in Sydney to know right now. The only question that you'll have to ask yourself is: where are you going to go first? 

Rancho Seltzo

It's Rancho Relaxo at Bondi's latest pop-up bar, Rancho Seltzo. Think major Slim Aarons vibes; with pastel hues and cacti aplenty, this new watering hole is set to bring Palm Springs to Bondi Beach for the first half of 2023. Set on the ground level of Pacific Bondi Beach, Ranco Seltzo is a collab between Bondi Brewing Co. and House Made Hospitality and is delivering those laid-back Cali-vibes across the menu too. Signature slushies and a rotating list of tropical seltzers from the Bondi Brewing Co. to wash down the crispy prawn & avocado rolls, kingfish ceviche with coconut, grapefruit and jalapeno and wood-fired flatbreads perfect for sharing.

182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach 

Bar Copains

Your friendly neighbourhood wine bar just landed in Surry Hills. With Copains meaning friends or in French, it's the perfect place to catch up with your besties over a glass of vino. The wine list is a mix of natural and traditional drops with a few off-beat options thrown into the mix. And with chefs Nathan Sasi (ex-NOMAD, Mercado) and Morgan McGlone (Belles Hot Chicken) at the helm, the menu is small but mighty. 

67 Albion St, Surry Hills

Sax

Sax is bringing smooth, moody vibes to Barangaroo with all the charm of a European wine bar - and all the atmosphere of a sleek jazz club. Enjoy coffee and light bites in the AM and then enjoy an aperitif and a snack — or Indulge in European inspired menu in the PM — all with a side of live sax - naturally.

Shop 7a/100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Randy's Wine

From the team behind Avalon fave, Bar Elvina, comes Randy's Wine. A casual wine bar with seating for just 26, the vibes are low key but the offering is anything but. Come for the progressive wine list (these guys know their vino) and stay for the "curated snack menu" Small dishes perfect for sharing with a large focus on fresh seafood. It's hard to pick a favourite but we recommend the ortiz anchovy with raclette, preserved lemon and choko, the bug bun - WA marron on a fried milk bun and the coral trout with mandarin kosho butter.

With interiors by the Caswell group - think pink marble countertops mixed with beachy accents - this place is sure to be a hit with the locals and holiday-makers this summer.

50 Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach

Bar Louise

With one of the coolest visages in Sydney – courtesy of the old Mary-Louise Salon – Bar Louise is a chic tapas and wine bar from the same people that brought us Porteno, Continental Deli and Bastardo. Expect tapas, house-cured and preserved snacks and an extensive collection of wine and spirits. Our favourite cocktails stick with the venue’s Spanish flair: sangria and kalimotxo and surprising Spanish classic that combines red wine and Coca Cola.

135 Enmore Road, Enmore

Tiva

In the basement underneath one of Sydney’s best new restaurants, you’ll find Tiva a late-night lounge with live music, DJs and a moody New York feel. Giving that Gatsby feel, the drinks menu focuses on coupes of champagne and distinctive cocktails. We’re lusting after the French press espresso martini, and the tequila martini with rose vermouth poured and shaken tableside. The lounge snacks are elevated takes on comfort food. Think hash browns with roast chicken cream, rock oysters, Bluefin tuna, and a crumbed Morten Bay bug sando. Open from 4pm until late, 7 days a week, Tiva is doing their part to help revive the CBD nightlife!

Basement, 68 King Street, Sydney

Daintree Sydney

If you like your drinks with a side of warm and fuzzies then this is for you. Daintree, in The Rocks is a small bar with a big purpose. The unique micro-bar is a proud partner of HalfCut – an environmental movement that engages people to raise funds to protect rainforests and wildlife. With Daintree Sydney’s fundraising support, HalfCut is currently focusing on preserving the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, working closely with the Traditional Owners of the lowland Daintree. Daintree Sydney donates half of all its profits to HalfCut.

When it comes to the menu it's all about seasonal and native ingredients, fresh house-grown herbs. Think classic cocktails with a native twist. Highlights include a Gumnut Negroni, Quandong Daiquiri and a Piña Nut, Daintree Sydney’s take on the Piña Colada with coconut-wash white rum, macadamia butter and wattle seed.

106b George Street, The Rocks

Arturo's

Sydney's iconic Woolly Bay Hotel has recently undergone a huge transformation ($14 million to be exact!) and emerged as one of Sydney's most exciting new venues. All eyes are on the venue's new casual dining restaurant, Arturo’s, led by Laundy Hotels executive chef, Jamie Gannon and head chef, Adam Holt. The Mediterranean-style menu celebrates rich Australian produce with a mix of small plates including Kingfish Crudo, lemon oil, cucumber and peals; Vanella Burrata, tomato and soft herbs or more generous shared mains including a 12-hour Braised Lamb Shoulder with oregano, lemon and garlic and a Bistecca Fiorentina served with salsa verde.

Then once your belly is full head on upstairs to Arturo's rooftop bar, an oasis overlooking the city skyline where you can enjoy more share plates or let the house mixologist mix you up a signature martini.

2 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo

The Strand Rooftop

We’re obsessed with The Strand! Their French bistro - bursting with flavour and flair - is one of our favourite new restaurants of 2022 and their 17 hotel rooms are absolutely adorable for an inner-city staycation. Their newly opened rooftop is the final piece in the puzzle of the multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub. With a certain Parisian je ne sais quoi and a bohemian insouciance the rooftop is open for hotel guests and visitors alike. Designed by architect Tom de Plater as ‘a charming escape amongst the anonymity of William Street’ the rooftop is the perfect place to get away from it all, soaking up the sun under the kaleidoscope awning, listening to live entertainment and DJs or sipping on a signature cocktail.

99 William Street, Darlinghurst

Henry’s Bread + Wine, Porter House

Sydney has a new landmark dining destination. Porter House in the heart of Sydney’s CBD is a Victorian Era landmark turned five-storey hospitality and hotel venue. Capturing hearts from the moment you step through the door, Henry’s Bread and Wine is a European-style delicatessen-slash-wine bar. With coffee in the morning and cocktails at night, snack on takeaway sandwiches or bar snacks before sipping on an elderflower gimlet or splitting a bottle chosen from the four-metre wine wall of predominantly Australian drops.

Although we’re suckers for a cocktail, the design of Henry’s has stolen our hearts with eclectic pieces from bygone times, forest green velvet and brass accents that exude old-world charm. Perhaps the pièce de résistance of this designer space comes in the form of the in-house florist with fresh bunches being crafted all along the venue’s left-hand wall, the scent of the blooms and the coffee creating a near-perfect perfume. We’re in love!

203 Castlereagh Street, Sydney

Bar Conte

Attention all negroni lovers! This new Surry Hills bar is serving up over 20 versions of the classic cocktail. Bar Conte recently opened in a bottle green, brass-accented corner property in Surry Hills with the noble goal of bringing Italian aperitivo culture to Sydney. Alongside the 20 iterations of Sydney’s favourite cocktail – including a Mexican negroni, amber negroni, barrel-aged negroni and the Roku Gin-spiked Samurai negroni – the menu also features a range of Italian and Australian vermouths, Italian wines and a rotating list of give European beers.

The menu, from co-owner and former Apollo sous-chef Steve De Vecchi, includes Appellation oysters with negroni dressing, rosemary focaccia and Sicilian classics like gnocchi Sorrentino and marinated eggplant caprino. This is without a doubt one of the most exciting new openings in Sydney.

135 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills

Surf Deck

You can’t fine better views than these! Practically on the sand of Collaroy Beach, this tiki-style holiday shack boasts some of the best cocktails and bar food on the Beaches. With tuna tostadas, calamari fritti, tacos and pizza from Vinnie’s pairing perfectly with mai tais, pina coladas and daiquiri’s Surf Deck is sure to be the place to see and be seen this summer.

1064 Pittwater Road

RAFI

A new North Shore bar and restaurant from Applejack Hospitality, RAFI is bringing a chic contemporary feel to North Sydney’s business district. From the 300-seat space, you can playful interiors, vast al fresco areas, simple yet experimental food, world-class drinks, and warm service.

The kitchen is helmed by chef Matias Cilloniz who has made a name for himself in Peru, America, Paris. The fresh and seasonal menu will specialise in sustainably sourced seafood and vegetables cooked over charcoal. While the bright beverage menu will pair local wines and beers with creative custom cocktails. More than just a treat for the tastebuds, the Luchetti Krelle interior boasts a geometric island bar, an al fresco glass house and tree lined terrace.  Finishing touches from marble mosaic, terracotta tiles, pattered fabrics – including designs from Walmajarri artist, Jimmy Pike – and curved banquette seating make this one of the most beautiful new bars in Sydney

99 Mount Street, North Sydney

Freshwater Brewing Co

Freshwater Brewing Company launched their first beer, at the end of July 2021, just over a year later they opened their very own brewery in Brookvale. Founded by a group of industry mates, Freshie Brewing is a community brewery with a focus on lagers and crisp easy drinking beers that lack the pretention sometimes associated with craft beers.

The same ethos has informed their food and the space. The 120-capacity open-plan space will feature a horseshoe-shaped bar with 14 taps. Freshwater Brewing will be the first brewery in Brookvale with a state-of-the-art in-house kitchen offering a full restaurant menu. All dishes are curated by Michelin-trained chef Daniel Wilson using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Simply delicious!

4 Powells Road, Brookvale

Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar

Bringing something a little different to the mix at the ever-hot Barangaroo House, Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar is set to make serious waves when it opens on Friday the 16th of September.

Expect Japanese-inspired food, sake, cocktails, and wine - all set to a killer soundtrack played by vinyl DJs. Music is front and centre at this Sydney bar with album art on display and a no-skip menu with approachable Japanese-inspired dishes with DIY tuna belly, avocado and roe temaki hand rolls, pickled watermelon with ume and red miso sesame eggplant served in a clay pot. Or, if you're more of the set menu type ask the chefs for an 'omakase' menu and they'll bring you plate after plate. On the cocktail front, expect Japanese whiskies and sakes and playful cocktails. Bookings are open now!

Level 1, Barangaroo House, 35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Alice

Meet Alice. Sophisticated and seductive, Alice is a new cocktail bar below a historic bond store in The Rocks. Descend the ambient staircase lined with rich velvet and enter an intimate space with jewel tones and gold accents that channel vintage glamour. The cocktail menu blends twists on classics with signature showstoppers including the Spicy Calavera with mezcal, lime, pineapple, chilli, and coriander (say what you will, we love it!) or the Salted Mac Irish Coffee with a macadamia-washed Connemara and a cream float. Sharing cocktails are served in bespoke crystal or you could keep it classy with a flute of French champagne. The bar menu takes inspiration from Alice’s sister venues – Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple – so you can pair a cocktail with chicken parfait profiteroles, beef empanadas or the bougiest grilled cheese you’ve ever seen.

16 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Curly Lewis

A brewery in Bondi? We’re there. Centrally located on Campbell Parade, Curly Lewis is a the Eastern Suburbs very first brewery as well as a bar and diner. With two core beers on offer with the Clean Cut Lager – going down crisp and smooth – and the Bondi Hazy Ale with well balanced tropical notes. As well as their two signature brews there will be a wide variety of seltzers and beers with 20 drinks on tap. Curly Lewis will also be featuring their own ‘wildcard’ brews with limited edition inventive flavours. Their bar menu has been co-created by the talented team behind Frank’s Deli and includes meatballs, croquettes, chargrilled prawns with Aleppo butter and their signature deli sandwiches.

102-106 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

Dusk Club

This intimate, jazzy lounge is one of the best new hidden bars in Sydney, with a 1920s speakeasy feel. With a variety of gin based cocktails upstairs at the Edinburgh Castle, Dusk Club is the perfect spot for your next night on the town.

Edinburgh Castle Hotel, 294 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD

Bar Quattro

A local Waverton gem, Bar Quattro is the perfect combination of neighbourhood local and European wine bar. Whether you’re stopping by for a single-malt after work, indulging in a cocktail or two, or settling in to make a night of it Bar Quattro has got you covered. If you’re feeling peckish, the seasonal menu has plenty to choose from... think bruschetta, slow-cooked pork ragu and antipasto plates. 

3/100 Bay Rd, Waverton

Henley’s Kitchen & Bar

The talented team from Australian Venue Co. has opened a casual waterfront eatery sits on the bustling King Street Wharf. With a laid-back but lively atmosphere, Henley's Kitchen & Bar is an all-day destination pairs an approachable wine and cocktail list with a range of eclectic bar snacks including, baby philly cheesesteaks, grilled corn ribs and Tijuana street prawn served with togarsashi pumpkin and roasted beetroot. Adding to the vibrancy is a large scale mural from Local Sydney artist, Blends.

9 Lime Street, Sydney

The Oxford Tavern

Petersham’s beloved community boozer is known for stiff drinks, inventive feeds, steamy late nights and live music. Reopening in July, The Oxford Tavern has been taken over by the Odd Culture Group, who have given the Tav a facelift and are taking it in a sexy new direction. If the thought of your beloved local getting a new look leaves you feeling anxious, don’t worry, the venue has retained its charm, iconic neon signs and the famous Black Betty Smoker BBQ. At the new-and-improved Tav, it’s all about the marg with an extensive back bar of tequila and mezcal. Their boozy slushies are the perfect treat for your inner child whilst the sophisticated among us will enjoy the natural wine list. On the food front, modern pub classics – vegan burgers, nachos, schnitties and Sunday roasts – are complimented with elevated dishes like tempura broccolini, duck terrine and mussels with fermented chilli butter and fries. They will also be stepping things up on the entertainment front, with a series of authentic queer-centric programming that is sure to be embraced by the inner west community.

1 New Canterbury Road Petersham

Maydanoz

Celebrated Turkish Chef Somer Sivrioglu is moving into it full force with his new CBD venue. Combating the idea that Turkish dishes are all kebabs, lamb and meat, Maydonoz pays homage to the casual vegetable-driven meze bars of the Aegean Coast. Dishes are cooked in olive oil and hero grains, legumes and classic Turkish takes. Between the interior which draws inspiration from Aegean herself with green and gold tones, marble countertops and the drinks menu of mineral-rich premium Turkish wines – it’s like diving headfirst into Istanbul.

From Mondays to Saturdays, Maydanoz will hold a two-hour happy hour (twice the joy), running from 4pm-6pm, with $7 house wines, beers and spirits, and $12 cocktails (get the spice market negroni). Complimentary stone baked bread and house-made dips will also be served, making for the perfect after work rendez-vous.

Shop 1, 50 Carrington Street, Sydney

Ante

Modelled after Japan’s famous jazz cafés, Ante pairs delicious sake with great records. On the hustling bustling King Street, this new bar is home to one of the best sake selections in Australia. With over 65 unique sakes and 2500 records, this is a delight for all the senses. As well as the sakes, Asian-inspired cocktails and a range of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, they have a seasonal menu with snacks and larger dishes. Our pick? The crispy rice with red pepper butter and katsuobushi.

146 King Street, Newtown

Ori’s Bar

Next door to Bondi’s iconic Da Orazio you’ll find the newly opened Ori’s Bar. With pre-batched cocktails, a snack menu and a jukebox loaded with 80s disco classics. Owner Orazio D’Elia is aiming to re-capture the magic of Italian piazzas and bring that relaxed, indulgent vibe to Bondi. Classic cocktails will be paired with the Orazio – a drink made especially for the owner combining vodka, watermelon, citrus, mint and cucumber. Curate your perfect night by queuing songs on the jukebox for $1 a pop and order up a slew of Italian snacks.

75-79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach

Bar Planet

Talk around town is that these martinis are some of the best in Sydney! From the hospo mind behind Cantina OK!, this new bar is smack-bang in the middle of the hustling bustling Enmore Road. The team champion local producers and growers with a fully Australian and New Zealand line-up on spirits, wine and beer. The Bar Planet interior itself is a unique marriage of a classic bistro and a psychedelic den complete with a galaxy-themed terrazzo bar top.

16 Enmore Road, Newtown

D.L.M Department of Legends and Myths

Intrigued? This quirky new bar is concealed behind the bureaucratic façade of the Department of Legend & Myth at the bottom of the Wynyard escalators. Step through the door and feel instantly transported into a world of fantasy. The beverage list includes martinis, mai tais and epic local beers and wines and will also play host to some epic local musicians and magicians!

300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Jolene’s

Let’s do Dolly proud by sinking a few at York Street’s new Nashville-inspired whiskey, cocktail and live music bar. In the proper Southern tradition, you can expect a back bar over 150 whiskeys strong. Jolene's pays homage to late nights spent on the town in Nashville. In Southern Hospitality fashion, the booths are named after country singers from Kenny Rogers to Johnny Cash, T-Swift herself and, of course, our Queen Dolly Parton.

Lower Ground, 73 York Street, Sydney CBD

About Time

Here for a good time, not a long time, About Time is a small bar on the corner of Hunter and Bligh in Sydney's CBD. Open since late 2021, About Time will occupy the space until December 2022 when the wrecking ball comes through and the building is demolished to make way for the Hunter Street metro.

Run by seven mates with epic hospo experience who decided to throw caution to the wind and open up their own bar. Heavy on the nostalgia, this bar will tickle your inner child with frosty fruit-inspired cocktails, Milo'spresso, s'mores old fashioned, strawberry and cream-ing soda cocktails, Zooper Dooper and big kid slushies like the boozy iced coffee. Not convinced yet? Check out their cocktail recipe.

37 Bligh Street, Sydney

Bar Americano Pop-Up

One of Melbourne’s best bars is coming to Sydney for an exclusive pop-up at Bondi Icebergs. The bar within a bar, will be holding court for the month of April. Bar Americano is usually found in Melbourne’s moody laneways and famously only holds ten people standing. With just eight cocktails, all made with premium spirits, bar snacks, burgers and more the Icebergs pop-up will hold seven guests seated or 10 guests standing. Owing to the small space, bookings are absolutely essential, tickets come in at $80 per person which will be taken off the final bill.

Icebergs Bar, 1 Notts Avenue Bondi Beach

Thursday 31^st March to Sunday 1^st May

Dean’s Lounge

Charmingly familiar, drinking at Dean’s feels like sipping cocktails at your most stylish friend’s home. Dean’s Lounge, a reinvention Dean’s Café, is a Kings Cross institution. With an ode to the 70s when the original Dean’s first opened their doors, expect vintage video games and throwback tunes. Food from four cheese truffle mac and cheese, nachos, nibbles and cakes pairs beautifully signature cocktails and an enticing wine list.

7 Kellett Street, Potts Point

Cabana Bar

Keen for a holiday fling? Step into Cabana Bar, a resort-style al fresco venue in the new CBD precinct 25 Martin Place. With the city’s largest outdoor terrace spanning over 100m, you’ll be on ‘Cabana Time’ from the very first sip. With first class service, inventive food, fishbowls and signature cocktails as well as a wine list curated by restaurant manager and self-confessed wine snob, Katie Murphy, there’s no end of great things to choose from. With an interior that draws inspiration from South America choose between the five unique spaces within Cabana Bar: the Aruba Booths, The Cove, Palm Bar, Kokomo Corner or the Cape. There’s no end to great things to experience at the Cabana Bar.

25 Martin Place, Sydney

The Rover

Growing up and leaving their wild past behind them, The Rover (formerly The Wild Rover) has undergone a chic refurbishment. Reopening mid-March, The Rover will remain loyal to their Irish roots but with a sophisticated feel that would not be out of place in an NYC cocktail bar. With an expanded dining offering from Executive Chef Pip Pratt of Bistecca and The Gidley which will allow people to enjoy dinner and drinks in equal measure. Expect buttery prawn rolls, lamb sausage rolls, fish finger sandwiches and oysters from some of New South Wales best estuaries. Add to their strong whiskey offering will be a 50-bottlestrong wine list packed with organic and bio-dynamic drops.

75 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

Bar Mammoni

This brand new bar in Sydney’s hottest new foodie precinct Quay Quarter, is a cheeky favourite. Taking you from your first cup of coffee to your post-work cocktail Bar Mammoni is an ode to Australian laneway bars. With just 30 seats, settle in for pizza by the slice, lobster roll bruschetta, whipped lardo pizzettas topped with wild honey and herbs and delicious desserts like the gelato millefoglie or sugar lips croissant cannoli. People watch with a seasonal spritz in hand or warm up with wine by the glass or carafe while you tuck into a platter of Italian bar snacks.

Shop 3, Loftus Lane, Sydney

Eros Sydney

Eros Sydney is a Mykonos-style eatery and lounge bar from the crew behind Sinaloa and Meu Jardim. Step into a white-washed Greek paradise replete with olive trees, and archways, concrete booths and sculptured walls that take inspiration from beachside Greek Island caves.

32 Bayswater Road, Potts Point

The Library Bar

Our beloved State Library, where countless students come to cram for exams, have opened up a new rooftop bar with views over the city and a literary twist. Open from Wednesday to Saturday each week, The Library Bar is the perfect spot to unwind with the rest of the local literati and glitterati. Pick up a patio spritz with mistelle, vermouth, gin and soda or a library martini with NSW-made Archie Rose gin.

State Library of New South Wales, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney

Shell House

This chic and ritzy new venue is home to not one but four amazing new Sydney venues: Menzies Bar, Sky Bar, Clocktower and Dining Room and Terrace. Each of these Shell House venues offers up a unique interior and menu so patrons can choose their own adventure. Menzies Bar offers a lavish bistro menu, warm lighting and leather interiors and lush vibes. Sky Bar offers up panoramic views and equally stunning cocktails. The Dining Room and Terrace is light-filled, modern and home to a seafood-centric dinner menu. And, the Clocktower, is fittingly located in the building’s historic clocktower with all venues connected by an architecturally impressive staircase. Which one will you check out first?

37 Margaret Street, Sydney

Banco Manly

Look for the neon wine bottle… paradise awaits! Banco, a new 32 seat venue in Manly specialising in modern British food and low-intervention wine and inventive cocktails. The ‘She'sssss Alright’ cocktail with a very Instagram-able aromatic bubble is set to become a local favourite. The food menu is seasonal and British – think ham hock terrine and lamb shoulder croquette. If you’re looking to dip your toe into the Banco pool, head there from 4:30 on weekdays (or 3pm on the weekend) to check out their daily ‘sips & snacks’ menu.

17b Whistler Street, Manly

Hickson House

This heritage building in The Rocks has been transformed into a warehouse distiller, bar and dining room. Hosting distillery experiences, drinking and dining experiences with curated cocktails which highlight their house-distilled Hickson Rd. Gins. On the menu at Hickson House, expect a locally-sourced, botanically inspired menu think flower-dusted quid with finger lime and pepperberry and whisky chocolate lamingtons. One of our favourite elements has to be their soaring back bar with over 600 bottles from all around the globe!

6 Hickson Road, The Rocks

If knowing all about the best new bars in Sydney is your thing, we have just the articles for you to read! From bars with beautiful interiors and rooftop oases, to underground hangouts and romantic  date spots, we've got you covered.