Couple enjoying champagne with harbour views at Opera Bar, Sydney. Image: Destination NSW
When planning a first date, forget mini golf or escape rooms. There’s a time for unexpected activities but for the initial meeting, all you need is flattering lighting, a romantic ambience and an excellent cocktail (or two). Sydney has a plethora of world-class bars, and the ones listed below cater especially well to creating the perfect situation to let sparks fly.
Few things are more romantic than gazing at the glittering Sydney Harbour, and Hyde Hacienda Sydney has one of the best views in town. Add signature cocktails, private booths and a pumping dancefloor and you have a recipe for a memorable date.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower, Sussex Street
A handsome space on level two of the QVB, this elegant bar takes inspiration from New York supper clubs; perfect for a mid-week date. Old school cocktails and an extensive wine list will leave you in good hands.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower, Sussex Street
It may be an obvious choice, but there’s something about the magic of this spot that puts you in a great mood. On a sunny day, there’s no better place for a drink that will make you fall in love with Sydney all over again.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower, Sussex Street
Sustainability is at the heart at this hip bar and provides a great talking point. Try cocktails with a twist, like a Blood Orange Negroni or a Yuzu and Matcha Margarita.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Waterloo, Zetland
A funk and soul soundtrack, moody lighting and a fur-lined ‘kissing booth’ sets the stage for a great night at this sultry cocktail bar hidden down a flight of stairs. To break the ice, tell the bartender what flavours you like and they’ll whip up something original.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower, Sussex Street
Is your date vegetarian? Take them to this friendly spot in Redfern, which has a plant-based menu that champions native ingredients and local producers, and a whole list of ‘Australiana’ cocktails. There’s a snacky bar menu if the date is going well and you want to stay on.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Waterloo, Zetland
Beer aficionados should head straight to this upstairs spot on Oxford Street. There are 12 taps with constantly changing brews from all over the world, deep couches and a little outdoor garden. If you want a change of scene, there’s a wine bar downstairs.
Nearby Meriton Suites Hotels: Bondi Junction, Waterloo, Zetland
This underground drinking parlour has perfect mood lighting, velvet chairs and a wall of mirrors so you can do a subtle hair check. It serves only Australian wine spirits and produce; their Sazarac with rye, brandy and absinthe should get you in the mood.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower, Sussex Street
Grab the seat by the window if you can – the ideal spot for people watching and sampling delicious drops from the 400-strong wine list. The service is seamless at this cosy bar; it has an enticing snack menu if you get peckish.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower, Sussex Street
This sultry spot has a lived-in, welcoming vibe that sets the tone for a fun night, with vintage lampshades, dark green walls and a long bar to perch at. The cocktails pay homage to the history of the area – a great conversation starter.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Campbell Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower, Sussex Street
If it’s a blind date, Big Poppa’s is the place to go – head downstairs to a dimly lit bar blasting ‘90s hip-hop which will fill any awkward pauses. If all goes well, it’s open until 3am and serves excellent cheese plates alongside a lengthy wine list.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Bondi Junction, Waterloo, Zetland
From the team behind Eau-de-Vie, the idea is to enjoy a cocktail degustation of sorts here – you’re encouraged to order three cocktails over two hours. Take one of the high stools, partitioned off with thick curtains, and choose the ‘His and Hers’ option; the drinks incorporate champagne and aphrodisiac syrups.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Bondi Junction, Waterloo, Zetland
It’s more of a restaurant than a bar, but you can choose to have a couple of snacks and cocktails or make a night of it with mains if all is going well. A former Mr Wong chef is behind the South East Asian inspired menu, with snacks like tom yum prawn dumplings and duck katsu sandwiches that pair well with a Singapore Sling Spritz (Bombay gin, PAMA liqueur, guava, pineapple, prosecco) or a Chow Sour (Skyy vodka, St. Germain elderflower, yuzu, lychee).
Nearby Meriton Suites Hotels: Church Street, George Street
For a date you won’t forget, head to this rooftop bar, one of the most opulent in Sydney. It has an area perfectly set up for dates, with views of the city, two-seater tables and buzzers to call staff with so you don’t have to leave your date hanging. Start with a plate of oysters and one of the 60 bottles of champagne on the menu and see where the night takes you.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Church Street, George Street
Another venue that leans more on the restaurant side but it’s a great first date venue – there’s something about sipping a Campari spritz and sharing a few plates of pasta outdoors that puts you in the right mood. It’s a slick space with concrete walls and a cool palette.
Nearby Meriton Suites hotels: Church Street, George Street
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