2025’s Best New Bars in Sydney for Cocktails & Good Times

The late-night scene in Sydney is undergoing the resurgence it deserves and naturally, it involves a swathe of new and exciting venues making their debuts. 2024 saw variety and abundance and 2025 is shaping up to head in the same direction. Huzzah! 

From underground Spanish wine bars to Japanese-inspired rooftop bars, there’s somewhere new to head every week. So gather the gang and make your way through this edit of the best new bars in Sydney where you might just find your new local. 

Best New Bars in Sydney: April

The Garden

The latest addition to The Rocks, The Garden is the perfect escape from the hustle of Sydney CBD. Set in an alfresco oasis surrounded by one of the city’s oldest heritage-listed buildings, this hidden bar brings a relaxed yet refined setting that feels like you’ve been transported straight to a Parisian courtyard. Cosy dining nooks are tucked between olive trees, Xanthorrhoeas and shrubs and perennials, offering a serene retreat for breakfast and lunch.

In the evening, The Garden transforms into a lively social hub beneath the stars, the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night cocktail. Want to stay a while? Check out the full a la carte menu from adjacent restaurant, The Dining Room. The contemporary Australian menu offers a curated selection of light dishes and indulgent options, including a seafood tower, brimming with oysters, prawns, and lobster. 

12-18 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Bar Freda’s

Bar Freda’s is back, baby—and we finally have a date for when doors will open. Occupying two levels across a row of heritage terraces connected to The Abercrombie, Bar Freda’s will officially open on Thursday, April 24th, and you better believe we have our calendars marked.

Promising to be a warm and welcoming space that brings people together, you can expect good food, even better drinks and, of course, epic music. The ground floor features bar stools reupholstered from the OG Freda’s with large bay windows, while upstairs, a giant disco ball points to a dedicated DJ room with adjacent spaces packed with cosy booths and a stainless-steel bar built for good times and nights that extend well into the early hours.

Expect an eclectic mix of snacks and flavourful dishes—we’re talking Sydney Rock Oysters, house made pickles, Lasagne croquettes and nostalgic pastas like Rigatoni with eggplant ragu and stracciatella— as well as regularly rotating deli-style sandwiches on the menu. A fun and unpretentious drinks list compliments the dishes perfectly, with elevated slushies like the Frozen Espresso Martini and Pina Colada infused with Matcha, classic cocktails with a twist, and an extensive wine list.

Abercrombie Terraces, 100 Broadway, Chippendale

CANESS

Paddington is about to get a new favourite bar—and it’s anything but ordinary. CANESS is a Middle Eastern tapas bar set in a warm, inviting 60-seat space with an open kitchen setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Small plates, bold flavours and Middle Eastern flair are re-imagined through the Mediterranean tapas lens, with a menu showcasing the power of simplicity. Think vibrant colours, bold flavours and key ingredients that are allowed to take centre stage. Of course, there’s also a carefully curated drinks list to match, with a wine selection featuring around 80 wines, with over 20 options by the glass of carafe.

There are no less than ten signature cocktails on the drinks list, too, highlighting Mediterranean flavours with Spanish and Italian influences. Think the Clear Gazpacho, inspired by Spain’s iconic chilled soup, or a Middle Eastern twist on the classic Negroni with the Figroni.

348 Oxford Street, Paddington

CONTE

As aperitivo culture continues to enamour Sydneysiders, it’s only natural that the CBD be granted its very own dedicated Negroni bar. The bar is the second from negroni enthusiast Rafaelle Lombardi and his life and venue partner, interior designer Victoria Hampshire.

Building on the popularity of Surry Hills’ Bar Conte, CONTE offers a 130-seat multi-level venue inspired by old-world European charm and lit alternately by the golden hour sun and candlelight.

The 40+ Negroni list will be complemented by an indulgent à la carte menu with dishes like Gambaro Rosso tartare, lobster risotto, and duck breast with beetroot puree and crispy cabbage. For something special, opt for the Negroni food pairing experience.

151 Clarence Street, Sydney

Best New Bars in Sydney: March

Kittyhawk New York

Okay, okay, we know Kittyhawk isn’t new but it has recently undergone a major revamp and we’re glad to see it back, nailing the brief in a whole new way. Moving into its late-night New York era, Kittyhawk 2.0 is championing live music, an Italian-American menu and endless energy. You’re invited to stay late and stay awhile. DJs will be spinning a mix of hip hop, soul, funk and disco five nights a week, setting the tone for a d-floor emblazoned with a 1.5 metre marble mural of New York rapper, Busta Rhymes. A vibe? We think so.

16 Phillip Lane, Sydney

40Res

Meet your new favourite wine bar in Surry Hills: 40Res. Heralded as a “proper little neighbourhood wine bar”, this new spot is all about good food, great wine and even better company.

With a focus on celebrating boutique wine makers and showcasing quality Australian produce, the wine list is matched with a snack-happy menu (think coral trout fish fingers, salt bush and pepper berry calamari and confit chicken croquettes.)

Whether you’re stopping in for a glass or staying for a bottle, this is sure to be your new go-to for date nights, get togethers and everything in between.

40 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills

Best New Bars in Sydney: February

Baptist Street Rec Club

Oozing nostalgia, Baptist Street Rec Club is a flawless homage to 1980s and 90s Australia. Retro paraphernalia lines the walls whilst local brews are poured on tap. There’s also an approachable yet diverse wine list that kicks off with glasses from $10.50 and a Thai-inspired snack menu to line the stomach. Get grooving to live DJs in the main bar or settle into plush banquette seating in the trophy room for a good old chinwag.

Corner of Baptist Street and Cleveland Street, Redfern

Lottie 

Sitting pretty atop Sydney’s glorious new The EVE Hotel, Lottie is the latest creation from hospitality legends Liquid & Larder. Equal parts chic and quirky, it’s all in the details at this rooftop bar, from the leather taco pouches to the handmade goat salt bowls. The perfect spot for a sundown Paloma, the rooftop is decked out in textural detail and greenery. 

Lottie Head Chef Alejandro Huerta’s (ex-Noma Copenhagen) menu is snack-focused and centred around seasonal Aussie produce with a Mexican influence. We recommend kicking off your meal with a refreshing rockmelon and watermelon borcheta paired with fresh juice and sangrita — cue big holiday vibes. 

8 Baptist Street, Redfern 

Best New Bars in Sydney: January

Door Knock 

Door Knock was one of Sydney’s OG hidden bars. Haven’t been? Now is the time as this underground haven has just undergone a rather swish glow-up. Decadent herringbone panelling, marble tables and leather booth seating lend the space a Parisian feel, while Zesty Mediterranean and North African share plates have taken over on the food front. The best bit? You won’t find anything on the menu for over $30. On the cocktail front, expect all your classic Door Knock favourites alongside an elevated and expanded wine list. The perfect spot to unwind after a long day. 

B2/70 Pitt Street, Sydney 

Bar Julius 

First, there was Bistecca, The Gidley, Alfie’s and The Rover, now, the good people at Liquid & Larder have sorted Sydneysiders for a European-style hotel bar by the name of Bar Julius. The Euro influences don’t stop with the decor (which is incredible, btw) but extend to the all-day dining ethos. Textural elements are woven throughout the design which features an original artwork by Dinosaur Design Co-founder and Creative Director Louise Olsen. 

The drinks menu boasts a specially crafted crystal mimosa alongside classic cocktails, wine sourced from small, family-owned wineries and an Archie Rose whiskey blend created exclusively for brand new boutique hotel, The EVE Hotel, within which Bar Julius is located. Don’t forget, you’re welcome all-day so tee up a time to swing by. If you’re popping past after 5pm just don’t forget about the ‘no laptops after 5pm policy’. Forced wind down? We like that. 

8 Baptist Street, Redfern 

Best New Bars in Sydney: December 2024

Letra House (Image Credits: Nikki To)

Letra House 

Our arms are always wide open to welcome a new wine bar to the city. The welcome is even warmer for Letra House as this late-night spot has been brought to us by the Love Tilly Group. 

Enter the underground bar via cobblestoned Kent Street and emerge into a haven of exposed brick, walnut-stained timber and mood lighting. Over 50 bottles of wine are available by the glass on any given day with a focus on lesser-known regions such as Lebanon, USE and Greece. As for bites, Letra House‘s menu revolves around Spanish-style plates with tapas, cured meats and larger plates 

346 Kent Street, Sydney 

Best New Bars in Sydney: November

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Little Cooler 

From the creators of one of the world’s favourite cocktail bars, Maybe Sammy, comes this cheeky younger sibling. Little Cooler is set to be a dive bar with a difference. Think 90s rock, hip-hop and post-punk with a sustainable twist. With materials repurposed from past Maybe Group projects, this is a concept we can very much get behind. While the soundtrack and interiors remain edgy, the twist to this elevated dive bar comes in the form of the refined, yet unpretentious, beverage list. Just like the interiors, the cocktail list will be a shakeup of things that have come before. We’ve got our eye on the breakfast martini — gin, orange wine triple sec, whipped avocado oil and lemon.

275 Clarence Street, Sydney 

The Wine Bar

The Wine Bar is the second of three openings by The Point Group as part of CBD destination The International. As the name suggests, this brand-new gathering place will offer a wine list spanning the globe with an incredible array of options by the glass. There is also a space for every occasion, whether you fancy settling into the courtyard, intimate wine bar or circular dining room. Light and fluffy pizzettes, antipasti and bowls of pasta round out the offering. 

25 Martin Place, Sydney 

The Panorama Bar 

Next time you find yourself wandering around Martin Place after work in search of a glam rooftop bar, head to The Panorama Bar. From the same people that brought us Shell House, this ‘sip and snack’ focussed spot is ideal for a post-work morsel. As an informal all-rounder, there’s space for every mood with nooks, fire pits and lounges just a few spots to settle. 

Snacky foods include crispy fried prawn toast, popcorn lobster rolls and freshly shucked oysters. On the drink side, you’ve got an extensive lineup of Champagne, Chablis and classic cocktails. 

25 Martin Place, Sydney 

Best New Bars in Sydney: October 2024

 JŌJI

From the good people who brought us one of our favourite restaurants of 2023, Itō, comes this Japanese-inspired rooftop bar. Soak up views from the fifth floor of the Cartier flagship store whilst you sip on creative cocktails inspired by Shibui (simplicity), Wabi Sabi (imperfection) and Datsuzoku (creativity). The food offering is equally well thought out by Executive Chef Paul Farag. The menu is divided into three sections — raw, not raw and robata — with the addition of a late-night menu featuring a Japanese wagyu bolognese burger. 

Level 5, 388 George Street, Sydney 

Bar Tilda (Image Credits: Jason Loucas) 

Bar Tilda

There’s something extra special about this luxury hotel bar that goes beyond your average. All aboard the old-world charm train, details here are curated to perfection — from the staff uniforms to the cosy nooks — and the menu itself is bursting with creativity. You’ll also find a whisky armoire — a 100-strong collection of Australia whiskies — as well as ‘the Bar Tilda martini experience, which involves a martini made to your specifications tableside. As for eats, the Bar Tilda menu is polished yet relaxed with a delicious cheeseburger, cacio e pepe popcorn and a chopped salad among the snacks on offer. 

61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney 

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.