The Best New Bars in Sydney in 2026

New year, new drinking destinations. These are the best new bars in Sydney in 2026.

Linla

From intimate wine rooms and rooftop spritz spots to sultry late-night cocktail dens, Sydney’s bar scene is gearing up for a seriously exciting year. Whether you’re chasing exceptional wine lists, boundary-pushing cocktails or neighbourhood locals you’ll be visiting on repeat, these are the bar openings set to shape 2026. Trust us, your group chats are about to get busy.

Read on for the spots set to become your next favourites.

The Best New Bars in Sydney 2026: March


Linla

With a fun share-style menu and approachable cocktail list, Linla is Surry Hills’ newest place to gather late into the night. The name comes from the Taiwanese dialect and the sound and feeling shared between friends when they toast.

Conceived by Taiwanese-born restaurateur and mixologist Charles Chang, Linla offers plenty of nooks and crannies for guests to gather, including an alfresco balcony looking out over Bourke Street. At the core of the experience lies a curated soundtrack, designed to set the scene whilst allowing for conversation to flow. There’s even a signature ‘Linla’ track in there!

The vibe is relaxed, perfect for indulging in night-market crispy chicken, XOXO calamari fettuccine and a craft cocktail menu laced with sparkling teas.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can book the intimate omakase experience that caters up to 6 guests on select evenings.

413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

The Best New Bars in Sydney 2026: February


Las Palmas

Manly’s waterfront just scored a vibrant new addition. Las Palmas, the latest venture from The Boathouse Group, has opened on West Esplanade, bringing sun-soaked Mexican flavours, margarita flights and live music just steps from the Wharf.

Expect a garden bar vibe with serious holiday energy (think snapper ceviche, beer-battered fish tacos and beef barbacoa quesadillas made for sharing), paired with coconut, mango and passionfruit margaritas. With $5 Taco Wednesdays, happy hour from 4–6pm, this colourful newcomer is set to become Manly’s go-to for balmy sunset drinks by the water.

West Esplanade, Manly

The Best New Bars in Sydney 2026: January


L’Avant Cave

Fans of French bistro Porcine and their nostalgic yet fresh approach to decadent fare are invited to indulge in a second venue from the talented team. You won’t have to go far as L’Avant Cave is tucked beneath the OG venue, offering an excellent selection of wines by the glass (and bottle!) and a snack menu served on granny-core crockery. The perfect place to pop-by after a long day in the office.

Snack-wise, you can expect the likes of pigeon liver parfait toast, terrine and swordfish schnitzel. As for drinks, everyone is catered for, from hyper-local craft brews to a smorgasbord of Euro-leaning wines.

268 Oxford Street, Paddington

AALIA Wine Room

AALIA Wine Room is the new spot Martin Place didn’t know it needed. With a focus on discovering new drops, the menu is designed to spark curiosity and encourage you to try something different.

Attached to its two-hatted Middle Eastern sibling next door, the menu features a range of delicious bites alongside the drinks offering. With natural details, curved windows and banquette seating, every aspect of the space has been considered, making the CBD suddenly feel a lot more like your local, (just with a side of seriously good wine).

Shop 7.07-7.08/25 Martin Place, Sydney

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