Sydney’s best rooftop bars revealed

For Sydney in summer, the only way is up. Take advantage of the long lazy days and balmy nights at Sydney’s best rooftop bars.

The popularity of Sydney’s rooftop bars soars in summer.

For Sydney in summer, the only way is up.

As the weather warms up, so does the direction of the masses as they head to the city’s sky-high rooftop bars.

In the last few weeks alone, Sydney has welcomed three new rooftop venues from big time hospitality operators.

ESCA Group, run by Ibby Moubadder, has opened up Joji above the Cartier Store on George Street in the CBD. The team behind Shell House, the Point Group, launched multi-level destination The International in Martin Place, which comes complete with rooftop Panorama Bar, which already has become a star attraction.

Merivale relaunched The Pool Club at the Ivy into a low-key, but cool, Jimmy’s Rooftop bar.

And, the House Made Hospitality team, which runs Hinchcliff House, opened up Wentworth Bar on Level 5 of the newly refurbished Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Emma Fish and Courtney Minter enjoy a cocktail at the newly renovated Wentworth Bar at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Picture: Justin Lloyd

House Made Hospitality Director Jason Williams described the large outdoor terrace as “the kind of bar you seek out in a major city.”

Take advantage of the long lazy days and balmy nights at Sydney’s best rooftop bars.

JŌJI, CBD

JoJi is a Japanese-inspired rooftop bar on top of the Cartier store in Sydney’s CBD.

New kid on the block, Joji, is set to be the hottest spot in the CBD this summer. Perched atop the Cartier building on George Street, Joji merges the clean lines of Japanese aesthetics with the inimitable skills of the Esca Group (Aalia, Nour, Ito). The generous rooftop venue has a cocktail lounge, a dining room, and a panoramic terrace where you can kick off a Sunday session, relax with a post-work sundowner, or set up camp for a night of bold, confidently prepared Japanese snacks, punchy tequila, tomato and apricot cocktails, and views of the twinkling city lights. Level 5, 388 George St, Sydney

NICK & NORA’S, PARRAMATTA

Nick & Nora's rooftop bar in Sydney.

Nick & Nora’s is largely credited for spearheading Western Sydney’s new wave of old-school bars, bringing Golden Age glamour to Parramatta. A dedicated cocktail and Champagne bar, the jewel in the Nick & Nora crown is its 270-degree views across ‘the other CBD’, where an eclectic menu spans from Spain to India, Italy, South East Asia and the Middle East. Naturally, the cigar menu is best enjoyed al fresco – the intimate outdoor terrace on the 26th level is hot property as the sun goes down. Level 26, 45 Macquarie St, Parramatta

THE BRISTOL, SYDNEY

The Bristol Arms Hotel’s rooftop bar in Sydney.

Escape the grind at this revamped Sydney icon overlooking Sussex Street. The Bristol (formerly The Bristol Arms) has had a tasteful Med-inspired glow-up complete with terrazzo tabletops, scalloped olive green furnishings and of course, al fresco rooftop dining. Knock-offs are happening at the aptly named Golden Hour when you can take advantage of discounted margaritas and Aperol spritz as the sun sinks below the horizon. A good part of the food menu comes from the kalamaki (skewer) and strifto (wrap) section, where grilled octopus; lamb, eggplant and pomegranate; chicken and tzatziki; and prawn saganaki reign. 81 Sussex St, Sydney

THE TREEHOUSE, CENTENNIAL PARK

Centennial Homestead’s rooftop bar in Sydney

New York may have the Tavern on the Green but Sydney has a new classic in Centennial Homestead, a rare development within Centennial Parklands. The two-level venue consists of The Paddock on the lower level, a glass space that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, and The Treehouse, an open-air rooftop bar and dining space. Equally beautiful for a sunny soiree as it is an unconventional evening destination, The Treehouse lets the views over the green parklands do the talking. 1 Grand Dr, Centennial Park

JACKSONS ON GEORGE, CBD

The newly opened Jackson's on George rooftop bar on George Street.

Former den of debauchery Jacksons on George has been reborn as your new all-day party palace as part of Circular Quay development Sydney Place, with hospitality honcho Maurice Terenzi overseeing. We’re talking views across the city skyline, pub classics, live music and retro cocktails all summer (including a kitschy Japanese Slipper). 176 George St, Sydney

THEO’S ROOFTOP BAR, PENRITH

Theo’s Rooftop Bar in Penrith. Picture: Facebook

Located on Level 8 of Astina Suites, Theo’s Rooftop Bar is a Mediterranean inspired open-air rooftop oasis. The space has panoramic views of the Blue Mountains, an infinity pool and a snack-focused seasonal menu. 21-25 Woodriff Street, Penrith; theosrooftopbar.com.au.

WENTWORTH BAR, CBD

The newly renovated Wentworth Bar at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Picture: Justin Lloyd

After a meticulous 10-month renovation, the U-shaped Wentworth Bar is set to reclaim its status as the spot to be, blending its rich history with a curvaceous, mid-century modern fit-out.

In homage to the hotel’s 1966 debut, the 250-seat H & E Architects-designed indoor-outdoor space is all black-and-white terrazzo tabletops and pops of tropical greens and a tree that was dropped onto the rooftop via a crane. Level 5, 61 – 101 Phillip St, Sydney; wentworthbar.sydney.

KASBAH AT THE STRAND, DARLINGHURST

Kasbah at The Strand, Darlinghurst. Picture: Parker Blain

Channel the best of Mediterranean nights and French Moroccan share plates at the rooftop of The Strand Hotel, Kasbah. With snacks by Leigh McDivitt and a wine list curated by Mike Bennie this pretty rooftop bar is a hospitality uppercut with views to match. 99 William St Darlinghurst; strandhotel.com.au.

THE OLD CLARE HOTEL, CHIPPENDALE

The Old Clare Hotel rooftop bar.

An open-air bar above one of Sydney’s most stylish boutique hotels, The Old Clare Hotel Rooftop Bar serves up classic cocktails alongside enticing snacks. Team a salt beef bagel with an aviation cocktail and watch the sun set over a sparkling city view. 1 Kensington St, Chippendale; odehotels.com/the-old-clare-hotel.

THE BUTLER, POTTS POINT

The Butler at Potts Point. Picture: Estaban La Tessa

Take in Sydney city’s skyline from the rooftop terrace of The Butler in Potts Point. In this visually appealing space, you can sample Ibero-American food with your choice of wine or cocktail. 123 Victoria St, Potts Point; butlersydney.com.au.

Sydney’s best rooftop bars was originally published on Delicious. See the full list here.