The Rover

One of Surry Hills' favourite restaurants has changed formats a few times over the past decade—but it's always had a banging menu, awesome cocktail list, and cosy atmosphere.

The Rover (formerly The Wild Rover) is part of the Liquid and Larder group, counting restaurants like The Gidley, Bistecca, and the CBD's fast-paced steakhouse Alfie's as its siblings—so you know the food is top-tier.

Snacks like crumpets topped with rel pâté and horseradish jelly, fried potato with salmon nduja and parmesan, and cured sardines with tapenade on croutons are a great place to start, while mains include the beloved Fisherman's Pie and the luxe burger from The Gidley.

Blending British tavern and New York cocktail bar vibes, The Rover's whiskey bar origins still ring true, with plenty of nips available from around the globe. Award-winning sommelier Kyle Poole (Orana Restaurant, Rockpool Bar & Grill, Woodcut) also helped curate a stellar list of 50 organic and bio-dynamic wines from near and far.

While downstairs retains the feel of a bar space and upstairs is laid out in a more traditional restaurant format, the same food and drinks offering is available across both levels, with the entire ground-level space retained for walk-ins.

Happy hour runs between 4pm and 6pm daily, and offers $2 oysters, $6 beers, $6 G&Ts, $10 white wine, and $14 seasonal spritzes.

In the area? Check out more of the best restaurants in Surry Hills, or bars in Surry Hills.

Image credit: The Rover | Supplied