At this moody inner-west den, the team behind the city's best Margarita (and one of the world’s best bars) turns its attention to that cocktail-lounge staple, the Martini. Needless to say, the results are out of this world.

The brand’s nostalgic HQ is a celebration of ’80s-era Australiana in industrial Marrickville. Come for the beer, prawn toast and deep-fried Viennetta at the Chinese bistro, the Lucky Prawn. Stay for a free knock-around in the pool room, which doubles as a loving tribute to late co-founder and former PM, Bob Hawke.

The bar formerly knowns as The Wild Rover is a grown-up version of its predecessor, with oysters on rotation and a slick cocktail list. You can still snag a sausage roll, but otherwise, it’s a seafood-driven menu piled with winners including a curried fish-finger roll and caviar with potato crisps.

Playful takes on British cuisine are the specialty at this sultry backstreet bar. Think Scotch eggs with curry mayo, madras Wagyu pie with pappadums, and sticky toffee pudding with rum-roasted pineapple. There are also cocktails on tap and around 300 natural wines to try.

Around 60 styles of sake are pouring at this intimate drinking den, inspired by the vinyl-spinning jazz bars of Japan. Expect rare Japanese gins and whiskies too, plus a Euro-Japanese snack menu by ex-Pinbone chef, Jemma Whiteman.

Giorgio De Maria's latest venue is three acts over two levels, created in partnership with wine importer Mattia Dicati and chef Enrico Tomelleri of 10 William Street, Ragazzi and more. Downstairs is a bar and bottle shop styled after the enotecas of Italy. And upstairs, a colourful restaurant for pasta and specialty wines.

The first of three stunning venues to arrive at the refurbished Shell House building. This one draws inspiration from the grand eateries of Europe, in the form of a daily Martini hour, lobster rolls, and a 2am licence.

With views across the city and an open-air terrace, Shell House’s spectacular rooftop bar evokes Mad Men crossed with a ’30s Milanese speakeasy. Lofty snacks, well-named drinks and inimitable style make this a CBD bar like no other.

A theme of fermentation guides this cavernous King Street bar. Find a dizzying list of funky farmhouse ales, ciders and natural wines, plus a Euro-inspired all-day menu by a formidable kitchen team.

Take a distillery tour, sip cocktails beneath the chandeliers, and eat Kangaroo tartare with Vegemite toast at this grand palace of Aussie gin. It’s set within a 100-year-old brick warehouse in the heritage heart of The Rocks.

This sustainable South Eveleigh bar – by Scout London's Matt Whiley – is pioneering a new mode of hospitality without losing focus on smashable drinks. From the furniture (made from pineapple-leaf fibre and recycled milk bottles) to the drinks (crafted with produce destined for landfill), Re– is regenerative and revolutionary.

This relaxed, taverna-style wine bar is by two hospitality veterans behind some of the country's most revered venues. Their shared love of the sea is reflected in the seafood-heavy menu and breezy atmosphere.

A moody basement bar beneath Hinchcliff House in Circular Quay. Visit for a signature Negroni on tap, creative cocktails, and Sicilian-style bar snacks – all inspired by Francis Ford Coppola's landmark film, The Godfather. Open until late.

A European-style bistro with a particular focus on Scandinavian flavours. Come for smorgasbord (snacks) such as barbequed octopus with bullhorn peppers, chilled strawberry soup with Iberico jamon and oysters spiked with a punchy house sauce.

This laid-back Provençal wine bar is all about small producers and easy decisions. There are just three drinks on the regularly changing cocktail list, a short food menu and a streamlined selection of wines. Plus, a choose-your-own-adventure weekend brunch plate.

A glowing warehouse brewery and bar where the drinks go down easy. There’s a food truck serving burgers, and beers are made with hops grown on Hunter Valley farm.

The Maybe Sammy crew's glamorous bar and restaurant on the 22nd floor of a luxe hotel. Come for interactive multi-sensory cocktails and a menu by a veteran Sydney chef that channels the glory days of Vegas.