Summer in Sydney… Is there anything like it? As the sun sets over Australia’s golden seaside city, we clamber for a seat in one of the many striking venues the cities has to offer… or we compromise a little on the aesthetic of the venue for a jaw-dropping view.
Just kidding, these Sydney venues are both gorgeous inside and looking out! We’ve put the best for the season together, so all that’s left for you to do is rally the troops, get there early enough to score a seat, and reach for a deliciously dry rosé, or your favourite spritz.
Butler
Behind an unassuming door on Victorias street, Potts Point unravels a multi-storey, terrace focused restaurant cum bar that’s as low key lush as it is extra.
Everyone is beautiful and expensive, including the view. Choose from a local rosé or a French from Côtes de Provence, and pair with a plate of ruby tuna. Divine!
Website: butlersydney.com.au
Coogee Pavilion
It’s all sunshine and blue skies up here, baby. Choose from a generous selection of local and international rosés by the bottle, or a glass of French from Corsica if you’re going by the glass… But why not share with friends! We can’t go past the daily sashimi platter for enjoying with rosé, and if you’re sticking around for dinner, the roasted whole rainbow trout.
To kill two birds with one stone, grab a girlfriend and get in on Wednesdays between 10an and 2pm for their Blow Bar Wednesdays, and get your hair styled to perfection before settling onto the terrace for lunch!
Website: merivale.com/venues/coogeepavillion
Intercontinental Rooftop Bar, Double Bay
Who doesn’t need views over a rooftop pool in their life? Although the pool is exclusively for hotel guests, treat yourself to a holiday at home? With a curated selection of French rosé alongside a juicy selection of spritzers and cocktails, settle into the bar and work your way through their prettiest drinks.
Open to the public for the summer season from 11am and until one hour after sunset, this is the perfect stop for a sunset rosé before moving along to your dinner booking.
For a deluxe experience, book a cabana with your posse and settle in for the afternoon with some of the best views over Sydney, with an all-inclusive package of your choosing.
Website: icssydneydoublebay.com/dine-and-drink/rooftop
Watson’s Bay Hotel Beach Club
This place p u m p s. Feel like you’re a million miles away from your responsibilities and let your inhibitions fall away in this relaxed getaway, set overlooking the idyllic Watson’s Bay with all it’s fancy boats, and under the watchful eye of the iconic Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel.
Perfectly casual, order at the bar, collect your food at the kitchen pass, and slide onto a perfectly white bench seat between your best butties for a rosé or a special gin spritz. The salmon poké bowl is delish, and make sure you order the burrata.
Hit this place up on a Sunday night to stretch your weekend out to the very maximum before the inevitable Monday blues… But make sure you book a table or get here before midday to score a table!
Website: watsonsbayhotel.com.au
The Royal Leichhardt Hotel
While downstairs has more of a pub vibe, albeit a charming one, boost upstairs to The Royal Botanical for a rather European vibe! Offering a rather delightfully South Australian swaying wine list, as well as cocktail jugs and punch bowls for those ready to settle in for the evening…
Get in for bao buns, poké bowls, tacos and all those other delightfully trendy foods that have very little to do with pubs, yet are now pretty much mandatory…. We’re not complaining!
Website: theroyalleichhardt.com.au
Royal Hotel Paddington
It would be rude not to include a little something for those Paddington dwellers, especially when they don’t have quite so many options as the coastal crew when it comes to gaining a little height for an evening view!
Visit ‘The Royal Paddo’ for a wine list heavy on lighter styles (ha) and a large selection of share plates as well as mains, depending on your mood. It’s as posh or as casual as you want it to be. Keep an eye on their events page, as there’s always an excuse to get the gang together.
The best way to experience the Paddo however is with their very NYC bottomless brunch, orchestrated every Saturday on verandah level.
Website: royalhotel.com.au
Love dining out with the girls? See more of our top picks here.
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