Best & Cool Bars in The Phoenix

"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."

"This cafe is constantly rated one of Sydney’s best for a very good reason. The Grounds of Alexandra is a cornucopia of whimsical delights. From the farm animals (meeting the famous pig, “Kevin Bacon” is a must) to the play area, fountain and rambling paths leading through gardens and lanes bursting with flowers, statues and tiny creative details, the external grounds at The Grounds is, in itself, worth a visit alone."

"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."

"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."

"Don’t be fooled by the boring name—Cafe Sydney is anything but, this is the place to go to for a bite of local cuisine, boasting some of the best food in the city. They’re famous for their sweets, so make sure to leave some room for dessert. Laid-Back Fine Dining"

"A party-time oasis of pink flamingos and private cabanas for the past 12 years, Ivy Pool Club underwent a refresh in 2020 to provide more al fresco dining options. Additional booths and poolside tables were installed, and chef Vincenzo Biondini expanded his menu to include Italian-ish salads and antipasto such as mortadella, burrata and giardiniera. Pool Club now has table service too, and guests really keen to push out the inflatable swan can order caviar and Dom Perignon from Uccello next door."

"Inspired by the Italian coastline, this rooftop pool bar is a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of the city. “I arrived here just 2 weeks before the lockdown and a lot of my friends told me that this venue was great!. So, I just want to live the experience as well!"

"Ivy Pool Club is one of Sydney's most popular bars, found at the top of the Ivy complex in Sydney CBD. Recline in a private cabana or take a dip in the crystal clear water under the city skyline, with premium cocktails and Italian-style bites available if you get hungry."

"The perfect way to reward yourself after the Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walk. For every main dish on the menu, there is a budget option on offer – which means for $8 to $10 you can grab a Pasta, Steak, Burger or a Parma (got to try one in Australia! It’s a chicken schnitzel topped with ham, cheese and napoli sauce). Oh and we forgot to mention – the ocean views are amazing."

"Bringing an unusual twist to Sydney’s Italian restaurant scene, Big Poppa’s serves modern Italian dishes and plays hip-hop music. It’s a unique combo, but one that works and creates a lively atmosphere. Tunes are playing non-stop until 3am daily, setting a tone for guests to enjoy gourmet cheeses, sharing plates, cocktails and wine amongst a fun atmosphere."

"Looking in from the street, it looks like another Oxford Street pasta and vino restaurant. What you can’t see though, is one of Sydney’s most heaving hip-hop basements. 96 Oxford Street,Darlinghurst"

"This late-night haunt is among the best takeaway joints around and has garnered food-loving reverence from Sydneysiders everywhere. While Indian Home Diner serves up heaps of the cuisine’s best-known dishes — including curries, tandoori bread and samosas — the go-to here is the Indian kebab. These are wrapped in plain or garlic naan, instead of the Lebanese bread you get in most local kebab shops."

"Bellevue Cottage by Antonie is a French café and restaurant that’s housed in a restored heritage building along the Glebe foreshore. With an all-day breakfast menu available as well as a lunch and a poultry-heavy dinner menu you’ll be spoiled for choice. With French classics like le pecheur, cold-smoked salmon with poached eggs and fondant of silverbeet and leek with a tangy hollandaise."

"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."

"A holiday to Sydney is incomplete without spending an hour (or five) at Paddy's Market. Expect to get lost, splash some cash and hunt down a bargain. Conveniently located between Chinatown and Sydney Central, you’ll snag costumes, phone cases, leather goods, and all the Aussie themed trinkets and souvenirs you’ll ever need."

"The market is around 150 years old and houses a ton of stalls that sell souvenirs, food, and the trendiest fashion. You won’t be able to find branded goods here. This is where you’ll be able to find vegetables and CDs from another time."

"It’s been a significant fixture in the local community, having been around now for over 150 years. Its origins date back to 1834 when then-Governor..."