Picture this: it’s just you, your closest mates, a round of icy cold bevoirs and some of the best views in hospo. A pretty sweet set-up all round; but where exactly can these top alfresco spots be found? Our guide to the best rooftop bars in Sydney reveals all, whether that’s for lounging back when there’s not a cloud in the sky or drinking under the stars at one of the city’s most legendary rooftop parties.
Note, these are unusual times, so check the venues for updated opening hours.
Ivy Pool Club
With a new look and new menu, this is Pool Club but not as you know it. Perched atop ivy complex in the middle of Sydney’s CBD, it’s a little slice of heaven inspired by the Italian coastline.
Mediterranean style food including antipasti, salads and pizzas. Now with more poolside cabanas and full table service, all you need to do is soak up the sunshine and fresh air and
320 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 9114 7307 | restaurant.reservations@merivale.com
Tue-Fri: 11:30am-late, Sat: 6pm-late
Cafe del Mar Sydney
Born under the Spanish sun of the Isle of Ibiza. The rooftop terrace opens up for stunning views of Darling Harbour, perfect for celebrations and dining with friends. Indulget in sensational tapas, sharing platters, and mains, complemented by a comprehensive drinks menu and decadent desserts.
Tapas & Sangria by the Harbour: Induldge in tapas of your choice and a complimentary carafe of Sangria from 4pm-6pm, Sat-Sun.
Bottomless Long Lunch: Feast on a three-course lunch with tasty tapas and small plates to share, cocktail on arrival $60pp, or a two hour drinks or champage package $90pp/$104pp/$140pp. Thurs-Sun, 12pm-3pm for groups of 4+.
Happy Hour: starting from $7, Fri-Sat with resident DJs from 5pm, and 2pm Sun.
35 Wheat Rd, Rooftop Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf Sydney NSW 2000.
+61 2 9267 6700 | enquiries@cafedelmar.com.au
Restaurant: Thu-Sun: 12pm-3pm, Thu-Sat: 6pm-10pm.
Bar: Thu-Sun: from 12pm-late
Coogee Pavilion Rooftop
A local oasis with Mediterranean-influenced food, great drinks and an unrivalled view of the breathtaking Coogee shoreline.
Designed as if it was once an eccentric botanist’s conservatory, the Rooftop houses four indoor and outdoor bars each with its own exotic flair. Choose to bask amongst overflowing greenery or dine on the eastern Mediterranean-style menu designed by Executive Chef Jordan Toft, surrounded by Moroccan tiles.
169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034
+61 2 9114 7323
Wed: 3pm-10pm, Thu-Sun: 12pm-10pm
Henry Deane
Henry Deane, referred to as the crown jewel of Hotel Palisade, reveals the building’s modern and sophisticated charm. Spread across two levels, the contemporary cocktail lounge provides uninterrupted Sydney views out over Darling Harbour, White Bay, Goat Island and Lavender Bay.
Hotel Palisade, 35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Tue: 4pm-10pm, Wed-Sun: 12pm-11pm (Wed & Sun 10pm)
Untied Sydney
Perched amongst the buildings in The Streets of Barangaroo, a tropical rooftop oasis with colourful food, exciting cocktails, bright furniture and tasteful accents from Australia’s environment.
Brunch with Soul: Every Saturday for Brunch With Soul. Enjoy a southern-style brunch, two hours bottomless cocktails and live entertainment. $79pp, 11am & 2pm.
Vegan Bottomless Brunch: Vegan or not, Sunday bottomless brunch menu will please the pants off even your carnivore mates. $69pp, 11am & 2pm.
Frose Your Way: is back bigger and better this Summer. Sip on delicious fruity flavours all summer long including new flavours; Raspberry White Peach Frose, Grapefruit Frosemary, Tropical Island Frose, Blue Hibiscus Frose, Mango Lime Frose, Sour Green Apple Frose and Fraperol. Enjoy bottomless access to all flavours and the garnish wall for two hours, $39pp.
Happy Hour: Get 50% off your food and beverage bill from 5-6pm every day in January when you order via your mobile.
Exchange Place, Level 4, 400 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
+61 2 8322 2099 | info@untiedsydney.com.au
Mon-Thu: 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-12am, Sun:11am-7pm
Slims Rooftop
Named after an American socialite photographer Slim Aarons, it is an open-air oasis with succulent plants, frilly umbrellas and stunning views of the art-deco buildings on William Street and the glittery skyscrapers of the nearby CBD.
The menu is a modern Asian fusion “izakaya” (like a Palm Springs twist) with small plates to share, mains to indulge & fine cocktails to toast
Hyde Park House, 47-49 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
+61 2 8377 3650 | drink@hydeparkhouse.com
Mon-Sun: 10am-3am
Babylon Rooftop
Inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the rooftop location bound with hanging greenery. Located on a green entrenched rooftop in Sydney’s Westfield Pitt St Mall, a sprawling restaurant and bar reminiscent of the ancient region of Levant. An expression of Middle Eastern food.
Bottomless Meze and Mimosa: Enjoy a chef’s selection $55 from 10:30am-12pm every Saturday and Sunday.
Happy Hour: Enjoy $7 pints, tap wine and bubbles, from 4pm-6pm weeknights.
Live Music: Fri-Sat: 6pm-8pm musician, 8pm-11pm DJ, Sun: 12pm-2pm musician, 3pm-6pm DJ.
Westfield Pitt Street Mall, Level 7, 188 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000.
+61 2 8014 5663 | bookings@babylonrooftop.com.au
Mon: 12pm-9pm, Tue-Thu: 12pm-10pm, Fri: 12pm-12am, Sat: 10am-12am, Sun: 12am-10pm
Old Mate’s Place
Set above Clarence Street, this rooftop spans across two floors and is one of Sydney’s most treasured drinking spots. Known for its love of dark timber, potted palm tree, leather booths and antique bookshelves with bric-a-brac.
The rooftop is a definite drawcard, charmingly casual space and has a completely different vibe to downstairs.
Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
| seeyou@oldmates.sydney
Tue-Thu: 4pm-2am, Fri: 12pm-2am, Sat-Sun: 2pm-2am
Smoke, Barangaroo House
Take cocktail hour to new heights, with a seamless flow from inside to out. Claim a dim-lit spot for dialled-up rooftop romance and lust in the endless Sydney skyline on level three.
Relax with your friends in the tranquil haven and taste the creative delights from a world-class cocktail menu. The finger food is enticing, too. From savoury doughnuts to caviar, the menu is a delicious accompaniment to your drinks in the gorgeous space above the harbourside promenade.
35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Wed: 4pm-10pm, Thurs: 4pm-late, Fri-Sat: 3pm-late, Sun: 2pm-8pm.
East Village Sydney
The Terrace rooftop is the crown atop the East Village Pub. Sweeping views of the city skyline entice you as you sip on tasty signature cocktails and hand-picked wines. With seasonal themes throughout the year, retractable roof, fans & heaters to protect from all the elements.
Rooftop Brunch: Enjoy a set menu for 1hr 45mins, $69pp includes prosecco/mimosa/rose package; $109 includes G.H. Mumm champagne package.
234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
+61 431 622 944 | hello@eastvillagesydney.com.au
Mon-Sat: 11am-12am, Sun: 11am-10pm
Bar Ombre
A riviera-inspired inner-city rooftop bar by Salt Meats Cheese, perch on the rooftop of the Gateway building, offering a cheeky peek across the Sydney Opera House and harbour.
Perfectly boasting an afternoon of aperitivo, charcuterie boards and eclectic entertainment – your place to embrace the golden hours of the early evening and everything that lies beyond.
Aperitivo Hour: Mon-Fri: 4pm-6pm, $5 bites, $6 house beer and wines to $12 spritz.
Gateway Building, Level 3, Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 8216 1833 | ciao@barombre.com.au
Mon-Sun: 12pm-late
The Glenmore
A hugely popular bar with their epic rooftop beer garden to take in the stunning 180-degree views of the harbour and enjoy a drink and a bite with friends.
Daily Specials: Whether you’re after an epic burger or want to listen to some live music, The Glenmore has something on almost every day of the week!
Bottomless Long Lunch: Hosted on the first Sunday of every month, with a curated share style lunch feast, a cocktail on arrival and two hours of unlimited Rose fo $85pp, 12pm-3pm.
Live Sports: Watch your favourite team amongst friends and possibly a few cheeky rivals. With 10 big screens, you won’t miss any of the action.
96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
+61 2 9247 4794 | info@theglenmore.com.au
Mon-Fri: 12pm-11pm
Hyde Hacienda Bar
Explore the luxe yet playful interiors of Hyde Hacienda Sydney inspired by 1950’s Miami, while taking in the iconic elements of the stunning Sydney location. Indulging in superior table service, premium beverage options, weekend DJ’s, continuing the legacy of Hacienda.
Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge Located within the 5 star Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, discover a seductive signature cocktail list and premium beverage menu while tantalising your taste buds with a variety of mouth-watering South American inspired eats designed to share.
Hyde Weekday Offers: Your afternoon weekday drinks spot just got better with weekday offers.
Bottomless Brunch: Break the rules and start your weekend early with a delectable spread of tapas-style South American eats paired with free-flowing Chandon Rosé. Sat-Sun: 1am-1pm, $99pp
Level 3, 61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 9256 4083 | bookings@hydehaciendasydney.com
Thu: 5pm-10pm, Fri: 12pm-late, Sat: 11am-late, Sun: 11am-6pm
Perched on Level 12 of Hyatt Regency Sydney hotel, Zephyr is a luxury sky bar that’s risen above the rest. With a nautical inspired setting with unrivaled, waterfront views across Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Seasonal share plates are a favourite on the menu, extensive spirit and liquor list, plus a wide range of classic and innovated cocktails.
Level 12, 161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 80991234 | zephyrbarsydney@hyatt.com
Wed-Thu: 3pm-10pm, Fri-Sun: 3pm-12am
If you know of a great rooftop bar in Sydney, let us know. Would love check it out and make the list.