Opera Bar

The verdict

This quintessential Sydney bar lays claim to one of the best views (and cocktails) in Sydney. Tucked right next to the Sydney Opera House with uninterrupted views of that glorious harbour bridge and the water, this is THE place you take anyone you really want to impress (or move to Sydney!). 

Of course, it'd be wrong to be a Sydney icon without serving some top-notch nosh too, and Opera Bar is bringing all the best goods to the party. Think Sonoma breads and Single O coffee for the most memorable way to start the day you'll ever be able to muster. Later in the day, hit up that local wild boar charcuterie for nibbles with your bright and cheery cocktails, and some seriously gorgeous Aussie seafood, from Syney's rock oysters to Moreton Bay Bugs and and Scampi ceviche. 

The fresh and fruit-packed cocktails are another reason to make this your summer regular, with plenty of tropical and tart citrus flavours that makes each drink taste like a holiday in a glass (helped along by the views through the glass!). 

As if that wasn't enough, there's a daily-changing roster of live music, an extensive wine list, and plenty more substantial dishes for a sit-down lingering lunch or date night. Find a table at this buzzing establishment and hold on to it, for this is one incredibly popular destination, even more so after being transformed in 2014. 

This Easter long weekend Daisy's Milkbar will be taking over Opera Bar for their Naughty Milkbar, jam packed full of boozy versions of your favourite childhood drinks. We're talking about a spiked milo milkshake, an adults only verion of the classic green Cottee's cordial and even something they're calling a pavlova colada. The eats are just as nostalgic, with chocolate crackles, fairy bread and even a deli plate with Jatz and cabanossi. It's just like 2001 all over again.

Image credit: Jackielyn Powell, Opera Bar