Best & Cool Bars in New South Wales

"Back in the day, a visit to Sydney wasn't complete without a visit to the family-friendly nooks and picture-perfect crannies of the Grounds. You'd know it was a long wait to get in, but it was an honour you'd queue for. While the brand of prettily plated café fare popularised by places like the Grounds has filtered out to eateries around the city, it's still a lovely spot to wander around, pet the pigs and grab a fresh brewed takeaway coffee to sit in the sun with."

"A firm Sydney lunch favourite since opening, The Grounds of Alexandria has gone from strength to strength. This destination restaurant and café has a paddock-to-plate approach, and will have you munching down on the likes of buttermilk pancakes, Turkish-style eggs and toasted crumpets, or tempting you with the hearty Brekkie Burger served with a side of polenta chips. There is also a bakery churning out all kinds of delicious breads, muffins, cakes and tarts."

"It's not often that you can enjoy the company of piglets and goats while feasting on chocolate-filled doughnuts and freshly baked pastries. Responsible for putting Alexandria on the map, The Grounds is arguably the most Instagrammed establishment in Sydney. A whimsical escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this beautifully designed space is an idyllic excursion for weekend brunch."

"One of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney is offering up a whole heap of their menu highlights for pre-order and pickup, much to the fortune of Potts Point locals, and much to the envy of everyone else. And yes, that includes their mind-blowing pasta scampi, as well as their fried calamari, and even the pretzel with whipped roe from sister restaurant 10 William St. order.hungryhungry.com"

"Great wine, delicious food and genuine service is all rolled into one at Fratelli Paradiso, a friendly One-Hat restaurant in Potts Point. Although not as swanky as other restaurants on the list, the hospitality here makes you feel right at home. Match that with a seasonal gourmet menu and you’ve certainly got one charming, laid back eatery worth visiting."

"From ex-pollies enjoying an espresso over the paper to couples in need of a late-night bowl of scampi spaghetti, this café-turned-trattoria is woven into many a local's weekly routine. There might be a wait. A glass of Tuscan sangiovese from the mostly Italian, largely natural wine list might take a while to arrive."

"Café Sydney’s rooftop position, chic interiors and sweeping harbour views make this an essential dining spot, especially during Vivid. Unlike the other venues, Café Sydney sits atop the popular Vivid projection at heritage-listed Customs House, so diners are right at the heart of the action. Book a seat on the balcony so you can enjoy the sunset and watch the lights turn on."

"I have had many a long lunch on the balcony at Cafe Sydney, which feels very much like sitting in the dress circle of Sydney Harbour. If you would like to be seated on the terrace, you really need to make a reservation. I find the serving sizes are more generous here than at the previous restaurants, so if you have a hearty appetite, you might be happier here."

"Ms G’s has long been one of Merivale’s biggest players, dominating Potts Point with its infectiously playful menu that ships everything from cheeseburger spring rolls and yuzu slushies, to wagyu char kway teow and grilled king prawns with sambal belachan. The penchant for furiously clashing Asian flavours with other influences spills over to the cocktail menu as well, resulting in concoctions like vodka and licor43 built with Yakult, lychee, lemon, and lychee pearls. Address: 155 Victoria St, Potts PointContact: (02) 9114 7342"

"What makes it special: You get your cocktails in bubble tea cups or served in a teapot!. Plus, the food is amazeballs. With Chef Dan’s and Yu’s amazing mix of perky designs and snappy flavours, this is a place you cannot afford not to dine at."

"Potts Point favourite, Ms G’s, will be keeping locals well-fed with favourites including tom yum fried rice, soy-glazed chicken wings and those famous cheeseburger spring rolls."

"Built in 1805, Vaucluse House is quite extravagant and one of the remaining 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original gardens and wooded grounds. Purchased in 1827 by William Charles Wentworth (yes, the very man who Wentworth and Wentworth Falls is named), he set about making the original cottage quite a statement with his partner Sarah Cox. However it was never completed and finding the front door is still quite a perplexing issue."

"Vaucluse House was built in 1803 and was once owned by William Charles Wentworth, father of the Australian Constitution. It’s one of Sydney’s few remaining 19th-century mansions that is still surrounded by its ten hectares of original gardens and grounds. Take a tour through the house for a glimpse of what life was life for the families who once lived there, stroll around the beautiful gardens and enjoy a high tea at the tea rooms."

"Construction of this imposing, turreted specimen of Gothic Australiana, set amid 10 hectares of lush gardens, commenced in 1805, but the house was tinkered with into the 1860s. Atmospheric, and decorated with..."

"There aren’t too many South Asian-fusion restaurants in Sydney, so Brick Lane Dining remains in a league of its own, and has done so ever since it opened in 2016. Experimental Indian dots everything you’d find on the menu, and the ride can get rather wild: think tandoori chicken burger spring rolls, duck and cinnamon samosas, Indian tacos, and coconut butter chicken. Address: 75 Stanley St, Darlinghurst Contact: 0433 566 766"

"Hours: Tue-Sun 6am-11:30pmAddress: 379, King Street, NewtownPhone: +61295572224Website: http://www.gigipizzeria.com.au/. Gigi Pizzeria is putting King Street – or Eat Street, as we call it – on the map as vegan and veg-friendly headquarters. When the restaurant decided to get rid of cheese in 2015, they became a 100% plant-based pizzeria."

"Gigi Pizzeria is where some of the best Sydney vegan food and a traditional Italian pizzeria collide. Gigi is simply the place to go if you need to try one of the best vegan restaurants in Sydney. Gigi is an all-vegan pizzeria where you can eat traditional Italian favorites without any animal-based ingredients."

"If you are searching for a French restaurant that serves up traditional favourites with their own special twist, this is the perfect spot for you. Here, you will find a charmingly designed venue that’s perfect for sit-down dinners and cocktail parties. Whether you want to enjoy an intimate dinner date or a big corporate dinner, the team at Claire’s Kitchen brings you the right ambience for your dining experience."

"Takeaway AvailableOrder Yours TodayWe have a selection of entrées, mains and desserts for your enjoyment at home, like this pan-roasted fillet of snapper, with potato Dauphinoise, broccolini, cauliflower purée and sauce vierge."

"This is also another top-notch spot in the city if you are looking for an excellent venue hire. In fact, they can accommodate up to 200 people in their first-class restaurant. Moreover, you will be astounded by their extensive menu."