Bar Planet

A drink at Bar Planet is an out-of-this-world experience. To be specific: it’s like stepping into an art nouveau-era bistro that’s been installed on the moon. This moody drinking den is by the team at world-class tequila bars Cantina OK (a regular on the World’s 50 Best Bars list) and Tio’s. And while those spots are famed for their Margaritas, it’s all about the Martini at Bar Planet.

And what a Martini it is. The team worked with Marrickville gin distillery Poor Toms to create a signature “infinite spirit” that’s constantly evolving with different seasonal fruits and botanicals – kind of like a booze master stock. The resulting cocktail is chilled in the freezer and poured theatrically from large Spanish decanters called porrons; the bar staff spritzing the stream with lemon peel as it hits the glass.

But if you’re specific about your Martini, you can absolutely choose your own adventure here. Pick your booze (gin or vodka?) and garnish; whether you like it wet, dry or filthy; and the expert bartenders will mix the perfect drink. And if you’re not a Martini fan at all, we say go for the weekly Scorpino – made with an ever-changing selection of sparkling wines and house-made sorbets. All beers, wines and spirits hail from Australia or New Zealand. The team’s Margarita seltzer is also in good supply.

Every trip to Bar Planet starts with a bag of spicy popcorn – but if you need something more substantial to keep you in check, the entire menu at Saray (the legendary late-night Turkish joint next door) is available to order in. But how does the trip end? With a cute selfie in the curvaceous bathroom mirror, of course.