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Sydney’s top 10 Cocktail Bars

It’s the official Sydney Cocktail week (the other 51 weeks of the year are unofficial cocktail weeks). I thought I’d put together a list of my favourite cocktail bars.

Whether you prefer shaken or stirred, sweet or sour, get involved in Sydney Cocktail week and have yourself a good time.

(In no particular order)

Della Hyde / Darlinghurst

This late-night, playful bar is sleek, sexy and oozes misbehaviour. Handsome bar folk create unique cocktails and twists on the classics. They are famed for their espresso martini, but they do one of the best dirty martini’s too.

http://dellahyde.com.au

34 Oxford St Darlinghurst

Lobo Plantation / Sydney CBD

The staff at The Lobo Plantation sure know how to put on a show. This award winning CBD rum bar has a kick arse cocktail list in a beautiful Caribbean inspired space - think lots of greenery and bold prints. Lobo Plantation is a hidden oasis in the heart of the CBD.

http://thelobo.com.au

209 Clarence St, Sydney CBD

Eau De Vie / Darlinghurst

Hidden away from prying eyes, in the lobby of boutique Darlinghurst hotel The Kirkton, Eau De Vie is the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous, with knowledgeable staff and theatrical cocktails, there are plenty of dark corners for whispering sweet nothings and sipping glamorous cocktails.

http://eaudevie.com.au/sydney/

229 Darlinghurst rd, Darlinghurst

The Powder Keg / Kings Cross

This friendly gin bar and restaurant perfectly pairs cocktails with quality share food, right in the heart of Kings Cross. They do a gin and tonic on tap, and a gin degustation for all of the senses - gin vapours, a deconstructed G&T, and edible gin cocktail and palette cleansing gin sorbet. This is THE bar for the Sydney gin lover.

http://www.thepowderkeg.com.au

7 Kellett St, Kings Cross

Busby Under The Garage / Woolloomooloo

This small, discreet bar is tucked away under the impeccable Riley St Garage in Woolloomooloo. Perfect for a post meal nightcap, Busby’s is so much more than just a holding room for people waiting for a table upstairs. Complete with plush leather couches and private room accessed via the custom made walk through cool room, Busby’s is a well-kept, sexy secret.

https://rileystgarage.com.au

55 Riley St, Woolloomooloo

Golden Age Cinema Bar / Surry Hills

This tiny basement bar oozes old world glamour and charm. Located in the Paramount building, right in the heart of Surry Hills, this small bar is attached to the tiny Golden Age Cinema, but you don't need to be seeing a flick to enjoy the offering of the Golden Age Cinema Bar.

http://ourgoldenage.com.au/the-bar/

80 Commonwealth st, Surry Hills

The Gretz / Enmore

The Gretz is the second offering from the husband & wife team behind popular Newtown restaurant, Hart’s Yard. Cocktails and clever bar snacks with a stong emphasis on seafood; oysters and the tastiest little Fillet O Fish are the essense of this small bar. Perfect for a cocktail pre-gig at the Enmore Theatre.

http://thegretz.com.au

125 Enmore rd

The Wild Rover / Surry Hills

Throw out anything you thought you new about Irish bars. This hidden Surry Hills gem is an Irish cocktail bar, with Sydney’s friendliest bar staff. Entry to The Rover is via an unmarked door, let your ears guide you to the right place, and enjoy one of Sydney’s rowdiest and fun filled bars.

http://thewildrover.com.au

75 Campbell st, Surry Hills

Continental Deli / Newtown

Continental Deli is famed for having Sydney’s most instagramable cocktail, the Mar-tinnie; a house made, pre-canned, perfect Martini with a twist. This small bar is incredibly welcoming, and a perfect spot to spend an afternoon, drinking canned goods, chatting with knowledgeable staff and eating toasted cheese sandwiches that will blow your mind.

http://www.continentaldelicatessen.com.au

210 Australia St, Newtown

Palmer and co / Sydney CBD

This 1920′s style, late night prohibition style bar is all class. Every detail has been well executed from the decor to the staff uniforms. This place is heaving late on a Friday night, and is loads of fun. Cocktails are made with painstaking detail that makes this one of the best.

http://merivale.com.au/palmerandco

Abercrombie Lane, Sydney CBD

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Kansas City Shuffle / CBD/The Rocks

Tucked away on a quiet backstreet at the northern end of the CBD is a cafe that feels like it would feel right at home in Surry Hills. This den of cool near The Rocks is KANSAS CITY SHUFFLE, and it's a bit special. 

 On the street-front you'll find Sydney's sweetest take-away window, with Single Origin coffee and tasty on-the-go eats for those in a hurry. I highly recommend the Magic Coffee, a double ristretto topped with milk in a small, 150ml cup... It will magically make you feel like a better human. 

Venture inside for a meal and you'll be one happy eater. I've gone with the toasted pumpkin bread, with avo, whipped feta, heirloom tomatoes and seeds + a (giant) potato and pea hash. This is so much more than plain old avo on toast; everything about this cafe is next level. 

I’m thrilled The Rocks finally has cafes and bars worth visiting, and this is definitely one.

 kansascityshuffle.net 

195 Gloucester St, The Rocks, Sydney 2000 

Mon - Sat: 7am - 4pm

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The Gretz / Small bar // Enmore

The Gretz is the second offering from the husband & wife team behind popular Newtown restaurant, Hart's Yard. 

Cocktails and clever bar snacks with a stong emphasis on seafood; oysters and the tastiest little Fillet O Fish are the essense of this small bar. 

I love this place, the staff, the drinks, the proximity to my friends house... It's all win, but the tasty snacks like the mini Fillet o Fish are what makes this small bar next level good 

http://thegretz.com.au

125 Enmore Road Enmore NSW 2042

Wednesday to Friday 4pm - midnight Saturday 2pm - midnight Sunday 2pm - 10pm

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Sydney's best Chinese eats

 Gong Xi Fa Cai // Kung Hey Fat Choy

Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate like the Chinese... by eating. La Merde has compiled a list of the funnest / coolest / tastiest Chinese dining in Sydney.

Chinese food has come a long way over the last 5-10 years, check some of these out...

$$$

Mr Wong // Sydney CBD / merivale.com.au/mrwong

Pack your Amex

This shining star of the Merivale family sees head chef Dan Hong creating Sydney’s freshest and more inventive dumplings and Asian dishes. There are no trolley’s of luke warm food here; everything is made to order and made to impress.

TIP: Head downstairs to Prohibition Bar Palmer & Co for a post meal cocktail.

Spice Temple // Sydney CBD / rockpool.com/spicetemplesydney

Book in advance

Celebrity Chef Neil Perry has a real passion for Chinese flavours, as evident in the highly acclaimed Spice Temple. Sleek interiors and impeccable service make this one of the fanciest Chinese restaurants in Sydney, but the price point can make for a stuffy crowd.

TIP: Go for yum cha lunch for some unique dumplings

China Doll // Finger Wharf, Woollomooloo / chinadoll.com.au

Chinese food with a view.

Located on the iconic Finger Wharf, you’ll be hard pressed to find a view better than this pan-Asian restaurant. Food has a modern twist and are washed down with a killer cocktail list.

TIP: Book a table outside for the best views.

China Lane // Sydney CBD (Angel Place) / chinalane.com.au

You’ll think you’re in Melbourne

Modern Chinese in a 1230′s style bar right in the heart of the CBD. Sister restaurant to China Doll (above), this venue is more Mad Men than Bond, but what it lacks in views, it makes up for in atmosphere.

TIP: Perfect for if you’re seeing something at the City Recital Hall.

Billy Kwong // Potts Point / billykwong.com.au

Chinese food with local Australian ingredients

Kyle Kwong is the star of the Sydney Asian food scene, with her celebrity chef status backed by industry experience and quality cooking. This well established “Chinese eating house” has an open kitchen and extensive wine list.

Kyle uses rarely utilised Australian ingredients like Salt Bush, in her distinctly Asian cuisine.

TIP: If you can’t afford to dine at Billy Kwong, Kylie also sells her dumplings at the Carriageworks Farmers Market each Saturday from 8am (get in early).

$$

Chefs Gallery // Town Hall / chefsgallery.com

Busy and full of atmosphere on the edge of China Town

This restaurant is pumping, and it’s not full of suited up white people either. The speedy service and quality food is a big part of the appeal, but as they say, if you want to eat at an Asian restaurant, pick the one that Asian people are eating at; and this is definitely one.

They have great value set menu’s on offer, for a range of price brackets and their desserts are instagram worthy. 

TIP: order the handmade noodles. You can see them being made in the open kitchen.

Fei Jai // Potts Point / feijai.com

Celebrity spotting and weekend Dim Sum

This popular spot on leafy Potts Point St, Challis Avenue does an awesome weekend dim sum, perfect with a bottle of rosé and many hours up your sleeve. Open for dinner 7 nights a week, Fei Jai is a relaxed, small restaurant and a personal favourite.

TIP: A great place for a date ;)

Fu Man Chu // Darlinghurst / fumanchu.com.au

Quality food in the heart of bustling Darlinghurst

Located in the lobby of boutique Darlinghurst hotel, The Kirketon, this beautiful ‘Shanghai nights’ restaurant has been consistently popular since it opened 18 years ago. Popular for groups and couples, gays and straights, the staff can be cheeky and fun and drinks are always flowing. 

Fu Man Chu have a separate vegetarian and coeliac menu for those inclined. They can also accommodate vegetarians in a banquet situation.

TIP: Head out the back to sexy cocktail bar Eau De Vie.

Lotus Dumpling Bar  // Walsh Bay & The Galleries / lotusrestaurant.com.au

Handmade dumplings and modern wine bar

I was thrilled to see that the popular Lotus Restaurant near the Sydney Theatre Company, had opened another restaurant in the heart of the city. Beautifully photogenic dumplings sit alongside modern takes on Chinese classics, aimed at sharing with a group.

TIP: Lotus at The Galleries does a $30 express lunch menu

China Diner // Bondi / chinadiner.com.au

Chinese food by the beach

Bondi is the home of the beautiful; tanned bodies in skimpy outfits and sky-high heels are the order of the day at this beach suburb with an underlying touch of glamour. China Diner maintains the stylish, relaxed ethos of the suburb. Modern dishes go alongside Chinese classics, all washed down with a tasty cocktail with good friends.

TIP: They have ‘happy hour’ every day from 6-7pm

Luyu and Yum Yum // Newtown / luyu.com.au

Alternative and cool in the heart of Newtown

Luyu and Yum Yum are responsible for the the most adorable dumplings in town. Rainbow colours and mini hedgehogs... the level of craft is exceptional. The place has a great vibe, with music you actually want to listen too.

TIP: Try the tea infused cocktails

Bodhi // Hyde Park / bodhi.id.au

Vegetarian dumplings in the park

Often vegetarians miss out at yum cha and Chinese restaurants, with pork buns and prawn toast ruling the menu. It’s also rare to be in the outdoors, surrounded by trees when you do yum cha, but Bodhi (next to Saint Mary’s Cathedral) has masterfully combined both, for an outdoor and totally vegan restaurant that really is something special.

TIP: They have a decent night menu, but yum cha in the sun is the shit.

The Eight / Haymarket / 

The biggest restaurant in China Town

Normally I’d poo poo a restaurant in a shopping mall, but I’ve recently converted to a mega fan of The Eight. To say this place is huge is an understatement, but queues start forming early to get a seat for yum cha is this popular restaurant.

TIP: go early for a recovery brunch to beat the queues and cure your hangover

$

Dumplings and Beer // Potts Point / dumplingsandbeer.com

Dumplings and craft beer

This tiny little place in the quiet part of Kings Cross / Elizabeth Bay has a short menu of quality food, and an extensive list of craft beers from around the world.

TIP: great place for a date. If you go with a group you’ll struggle, it’s too small

Chinese Noodle Restaurant // China Town / 8 Quay Street, Chinatown

Handmade noodles made in front of you

Characterised by it’s kitsch interior of a plastic grapevine hanging from the ceiling, this place is popular, and for good reason. The dumplings and noodles here are super fresh and delicious. This place is often so busy that you have to order outside before getting a table, but it’s that level of super efficiency that makes it a good bet.

TIP: not for people who don’t like a crowd. Elbow room is scarce

Dumpling and noodle house // Potts Point / dumplingandnoodlehouse.com.au

The smallest dumpling restaurant in town

This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it place is a go to for late night revellers in nearby Kings Cross. They have BYO (and I love them for it). The fried dumplings are the best in town.

Chinese Bars

Smoking Panda / Town Hall / thesmokingpanda.com.au

Hidden upstairs from a dive pub, this sexy bar serves theatrical cocktails with dim sum style bites.

LL wine and dine / Potts Point / llwineanddine.com.au

Located in the ‘eat street’ laneway, Llankelly Place, LL’s serve Pan-Asian food and cocktails in a chic, Oriental-themed eatery with weekend yum cha and live music

Belly Bao // Sydney CBD / bellybao.com

This Bao-centric kitchen is located in the heart of underground (literally, not metaphorically) nightclub PLAN B. You can eat a baoger (yes, that’s a thing) and then dance the night away.

Johnny Wong's Dumpling Bar // Taylor Square / johnnywongs.com.au

Start on the fist floor with dumplings, then head upstairs to Middle Bar or The Standard Bowl and drink, dance and bowl the night away.

Chinese with a side of culture 

White Rabbit Gallery // Chippendale / whiterabbitcollection.org

The White Rabbit Gallery houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of contemporary Chinese art. It focuses on works produced after 2000. Downstairs is a delightful teahouse serving delicious teas and handmade dumplings

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Gourmet Life / specialist foodstore // Edgecliff

When I heard there was a man known as Sydney's 'FOOD PORN STAR', I knew he was a man I had to meet. Insert Josh Rea from GOURMET LIFE in Edgecliff; the legend is real, and this place is amazing 🙌🏼 #foodpornstar I've driven past Gourmet Life too many times to count, so I was thrilled to be invited in to try some produce. Josh is Australia's biggest importer of CAVIAR & TRUFFLES, normally bought up exclusively by Australia's top restaurants, Gourmet Life is a little retail treat for Sydney locals. You can stop in and stock up on some of Europes finest foods. They stock Sant Eustachio coffee (my fave place in Rome for a coffee), and all sorts of oils, spices, salts and treats from around the world. You can pick up some of the best hazelnuts in the world, as well as incredible sardines and truffle honey. You can even pick up some boutique produce from Rea's family farm in Tasmania. @gourmetlife_ is a real treat. Pop in, meet Rea and his knowledgeable staff and buy yourself some incredible Christmas treats ✨

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Bennett Street Dairy / Bondi

Bondi Road has been lifting it's game over the last few years, and went from a beach access, to EAT STREET with some fun, food arrivals. There's a new place adding street cred to Bondi Rd, BENNETT STREET DAIRY... and I think we're going to be firm friends. This corner cafe of pastel blue and white, has a milk bar vibe, but with the Bondi ethos of clean eating. Juices, coconuts and excellent coffee are on offer alongside delicious eats. I tried the mushrooms with polenta, halloumi and avocado, and it was SO MUCH YUM!! I also saw some of the chips coming out of the kitchen, and I need to get involved with those quicksticks. 73 Bondi Rd, Bondi 2026 Cnr Bennett St and Bondi Rd Open 7 - 4 daily

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Yellow Bistro / Potts Point

Getting involved with one of the most incredible brunches known to Sydney! Baked eggs with cauliflower from YELLOW in Potts Point. Paired with a spicy Bloody Mary... I'm living the dream. This dish has to be tried. So creamy and smooth, yet crunchy at the same time. I am beyond impressed.

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THE PADDINGTON / PUB

Paddington has been dead for so long, that even driving through it causes narcolepsy. But residents and guests need fear no more, as the wolf of Sydney hospitality has huffed , and he’s puffed, and he’s breathed new life and energy into the straw house that was Oxford Street. #allhailJustinHemmes THE PADDINGTON is simply stunning, and just the breath of fresh air that this suburb so desperately needed 😍✨🙌🏼 The clean, eclectic refurb has given an old Paddington pub a whole new lease on life, and the star of the show is the rotisserie. We went with the beef and chicken with lots of trimmings, but lamb and fish are also an option. The ‘starters’ have more of a seafood bent, with fish croquettes and crab on toast (which was delish), but all the food is for sharing (unless you dine with my friend Lucy, who is of the firm belief that gravy is a solo condiment), making The Paddington the perfect modern Australian Sunday Roast, with the beauty of being available every day❤️???🏼