The best wine bars in Sydney are no longer dingy, dark spaces for critics to hang out and drink their sorrows away; they’re fun, vibrant bar and restaurant crossovers that bring outstanding olives and bread to the table with delicious wines by the glass and bottle. We’ve seen the scene change over the years, from the OGs such as 10 William Street and The Wine Library to new entrants that have redefined the entire category – Bar Copains and Paski Vineria Popolare, we’re looking at you. These spots are where curated wine lists, fresh produce and sophisticated design coalesce. Most importantly, they offer the smoothest, most tantalising drops from the Barossa to Burgundy, Etna and beyond.
Best Wine Bars in Sydney at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
- Best overall: Bar Copains
- For natural wine: Paski Vineria Popolare
- For food: Jane Surry Hills
- For afterword drinks on Friday: Poly
Now you’ve read our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Table of contents
- Best Wine Bars in Sydney at a Glance
- 1. Paski Vineria Popolare
- 2. Bar Copains
- 3. Henry G’s
- 4. Enoteca 128
- 5. Busby’s
- 6. Jane Surry Hills
- 7. The Rover
- 8. Folly’s Bar & Bistro
- 9. SPON Bottleshop & Bar
- 10. Poly
- 11. Lokal
- 12. Famelia
- 13. Odd Culture Newtown
- 14. Effie’s
- 15. BART Jr.
- 16. Kahii
- 17. Love, Tilly Devine
- 18. The Wine Library
- 19. Banco Manly
- 20. Where’s Nick Wine Bar
- Alternatives to These Wine Bars in Sydney
- Why You Should Trust Our List
RELATED: Looking for more than a glass of wine? These are our favourite bars in Sydney.
1. Paski Vineria Popolare
- Visit this wine bar if you want: Try every wine under the sun stacked high on the illuminated shelves, favouring drops from small-scale producers. If you love learning too, you will get the rundown; the staff is always down for a chat to discuss the producers and methods behind the wine.
Wine and drinks menu: With a bottleshop attached to the bar, the wine menu is extensive, to say the least. There are countless drops of rare wines by the glass, or you can grab any bottle from the shelf (or the bottle shop) for a small corkage fee.
Food menu highlights: The upstairs restaurant is Italian-inspired, with an à la carte menu of delectable Italian delights. We can’t go past the handmade plates of pasta. The gnocchetti tirolesi with nettle and fonduta is our favourite,) and the kingfish crudo with chicory, blood orange and pistachio also goes down a treat. Also, the focaccia here is truly the best we’ve ever had.
Address: 239 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-12am
Phone: 0430 600 239
2. Bar Copains
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A variety of quality drops paired with a delicious menu that lives up to the hype, in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
Wine and drinks menu: The wine menu celebrates local and small-scale wines. Expect labels from small producers alongside classic Australian wines (such as Brokenwood and Tyrrell’s), with a big focus on natty wine.
Food menu highlights: The food menu focuses on fresh seafood, with a selection of small plates and larger meals. Start with the oysters in a cucumber and shallot dressing or the anchovy puff pastry with olive and onion, before moving on to the mains. The raw diced tuna with mushroom soy dressing and rye crackers is all time. For dessert, we can never decide between the amaro crème caramel or the madeleines and citrus curd, so we usually grab both. We suggest you do the same.
Address: 67 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 1pm-2.30am
Contact: [email protected]
3. Henry G’s
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A high-end, wine bar experience in the Northern Beaches. One of the few dedicated wine bars in the area, Henry G’s offers a moody haunt that stands out in the beachside locale.
Wine and drinks menu: As well as a 170-strong bottle wine focusing on provincial European wine, Henry G’s doesn’t discriminate; you can also enjoy a cocktail or beer here. From the three-page cocktail menu, we love the ‘Citrus Australis’ with Ester Dry Gin, lemon oils and Lillet. Beers are mainly Bentspoke, with a lager from Freshwater Brewing Co. and fermented brews from Barell Sheperd. With over two pages of wines by the glass, it’s hard to pick favourites, but the Carlo “Noro Oncia Bianca” is a delightful Malvasia.
Food menu highlights: With a large menu with a section dedicated to tinned seafood, there is no doubt that whatever you order is bound to pair well with one of the many drink options. Standouts include the free-range pork and pistachio terrine served with pickled fennel, seeded mustard, crusty bread and cornichon pickles, the fresh crab salad and the baby chorizo sausage in a sweet Pedro Ximenez glaze.
Address: 11 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095
Hours: Tues-Thurs 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-10pm
Phone: (02) 9058 2870
4. Enoteca 128
- Visit this wine bar if you want: The ambience of an Italian piazza in Sydney’s pristine Neutral Bay, Enoteca is the perfect concoction of wine and Italian fare combined with summery, laid-back vibes.
Wine and drinks menu: The drinks menu is 22 pages long and features wine, cocktails, beer and spirits, with a focus on Italian drops (the menu even has a map of the wine regions of Italy.) Enoteca is one of the few places that serves the ’20 SA Raja rosé (Isola dei Nuraghi I.G.T. Rosato, Sardegna, Italy) by the glass, so we recommend ordering a glass or two of that. In classic Italian fashion, the Passione spritz with vodka, passoa, passion fruit, mint and prosecco is also a favourite.
Food menu highlights: Expect a fine Italian menu with two pages worth of delicious pasta, decadent meats and Italian desserts. Start with the zucchini parmigiana filled zucchini flower for an entree, the tomato-infused reginette with duck ragu, orange, sage and hazelnut for pasta, and the slow-roasted beef cheek with parigiano polenta and gremolata for something meaty. For dessert, the tiramisu is insta-worthy (and tasty), or you can opt for a cheese platter (if you haven’t overdone it with the parmesan.)
Address: 11 Grosvenor Ln, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Hours: Tues-Weds 4pm-11pm, Thurs 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am
Phone: (02) 7813 2403
5. Busby’s
- Visit this wine bar if you want: One of the best wine bars in Sydney for vinyl and wine, Busby’s is a vibey, cosy hangout in Paddington that never gets old. If you’re hunting for your next date spot, this is also the place for you.
Wine and drinks menu: Expect a compact cocktail list favouring grape-forward liquors, alongside an extensive wine list that focuses on Australian, French, and Italian wines and celebrates small producers with minimal intervention. For a natural rosé-blend, the Blind Corner X P&V Shiraz Rose from Margaret is a standout. There are also a few non-alcoholic options and craft beers from Sydney breweries on the list.
Food menu highlights: The food menu is light and more ‘snack’ than ‘meal’, per say. A slice of AP Bakery’s fenugreek and sesame loaf with smoked butter never goes astray, or for something a little more hearty, try the fried potato with herbed cream cheese and trout roe.
Address: 21 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Hours: Mon-Weds 5pm-11pm, Thurs-Sat 5pm-12am
Phone: (02) 9071 4750
6. Jane Surry Hills
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A wine bar with a casual vibe and jazzy tunes. With an effortlessly cool 1970s style, Jane is the perfect spot to try a few rare drops in a candle-lit booth, banquette and or at the bar.
Wine and drinks menu: The wine list is Australian-focused, with 25 Australian drops by the glass and a further 55 bottles to choose from. There is also a bangin’ cocktail list, similarly favouring Australian ingredients, like the ‘Australiano’ with RHUBI Mistelle, Regal Rogue wild rose vermouth, bitter citrus and mandarin.
Food menu highlights: One of the best wine bars in Sydney with all-Australian ingredients focus, we recommend starting with the Sydney rock oysters before moving onto something bigger; the kangaroo tartare with harissa and potato crisps, and the Goolwa puppies with nduja and bush tomato sauce are standouts.
Address: 478 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri 4pm-11.30pm, Sat 12pm-11.30pm, Sun 12pm-10pm
Phone: 0403 632 355
7. The Rover
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A place where equal attention is given to the cocktails as well as the wine, in a charming old-world setting with a full menu of East London-inspired bistro dishes.
Wine and drinks menu: A 16-page drinks list favours cocktails, whiskey and biodynamic and organic wine, with fizzy and orange drops standing out. But, really, the cocktails are where it’s at. Highlights include the ‘Pathmaker’ with Pampero white rum, pear, peach wine, saffron, coconut, lime and mint, or the ‘Rover’s Old Fashioned’ with Starward Two Fold Whisky, Braulio Amaro, salted maple, and bitters, also packs a punch.
Food menu highlights: It’s a snack-style menu, so we recommend ordering a few things to share. We love the fried potato with salmon nduja and parmesan, the cauliflower with almond cream and pickled onion, and the lemon meringue tart for dessert.
Address: 75 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-12am. Sat 3pm-12am
Phone: (02) 9000 7544
8. Folly’s Bar & Bistro
- Visit this wine bar if you want: It’s a place to drink wine that’s suited for connoisseurs and newcomers alike, perfect for laid-back after-work drinks or special celebrations.
Wine and drinks menu: Folly’s is one of the best wine bars in Sydney for affordable drops. It offers 18 wines by the glass and a succinct cocktail menu. Try the Rise and Fall with Rhubi Mistelle Rhubarb, sweet vermouth, blood orange cordial, and prosecco. They also have plenty of beers on tap, including Stella Artois lager, Philter XPA, and everyone’s favourite Irish beer, Guinness.
Food menu highlights: We love a Medderteranian-inspired menu, which is exactly what Folly’s has to offer. We recommend sharing a few options, like the smoked mozzarella with crème fraîche, fig, persimmon and tarragon oil, the Dutch carrots with butter and lemon yoghurt and the fried brussel sprouts with miso butter, chilli and pecorino.
Address: 429 Miller St, Cammeray NSW 2062
Hours: Tues-Thurs 3pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-10pm
Phone: (02) 9460 3939
9. SPON Bottleshop & Bar
- Visit this wine bar if you want: To drink wine by the glass inside the bottleshop. SPON takes you on a detailed journey where you learn about the wine, where it comes from and how it’s made in a relaxed setting.
Wine and drinks menu: One of the best wine bars in Sydney, the mission is simple here: deconstruct the frictional elements of discovering, tasting and enjoying the long list of new, rare, or hard-to-come-by wines. If you love your natural wines, pet nats, zero zeros, and similarly cloudy juice, this is the wine bar you’ll want to visit in Sydney. Our pro tip? Everything in the shop is available by the bottle (corkage will vary depending on variety and bottle size) so grab a bottle at retail price, add a little corkage, and enjoy.
Food menu highlights: The food menu is solely bar snacks, designed to keep the focus on the wine. Grab some bread, fermented veggies and a selection of cheeses to accompany you as you drink through SPON’s many unique drops.
Address: 256 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Hours: Mon-Thu 12-10pm, Fri 12pm-12am, Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-10pm
Phone: (02) 8317 3057
10. Poly
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A cosy wine bar where you will meet other wine enthusiasts, with communal tables encouraging camaraderie and chatter amongst guests.
Wine and drinks menu: Poly serves a wine menu focusing on organic, bio-dynamic and natural wines. The wine list might have been unusual when it opened, but today, it is home to some of the most sought-after and rare bottles from the greats in natural wine.
Food menu highlights: The wild wine bar sister to Sydney restaurant Ester, which changed the restaurant game in Sydney. Poly serves up a compact but tasty menu perfect for feeling a bit peckish. There’s a small selection of food that will hit the spot, think Koji Marinated Flank Steak, 800g Rib Eye Steak, and whole flounder.
Address: 74-76 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Tue-Fri 5-11pm, Sat 12-4pm & 5-11pm
Phone: (02) 8860 0808
11. Lokal
- Visit this wine bar if you want: An intimate wine bar, Lokal is one of the best wine bars in Sydney for cosy, chill vibes, orange wine, honest food and sitting back and relaxing.
Wine and drinks menu: The wine menu features an endless array of low-intervention producers, 55 natural wines by the bottle, and a dozen by the glass, with a particular focus on orange wine (the Italian drop, tenuta foresto ‘lëuto’ cortese, is a must-try). The cocktail list keeps things simple; the salt and vinegar martini is our top choice.
Food menu highlights: Choose from bar snacks and share plates. You can’t go wrong with anything off the menu here, but if we had to choose, standouts include the spiced crispy chickpeas and the nashi pear served with red wine poached figs and puffed quinoa. Or the truffled cauliflower dip and toasted almonds served with a blue corn tortilla is also a winner.
Address: 104 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Tues-Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 12.30pm-10pm
Contact: [email protected]
12. Famelia
- Visit this wine bar if you want: Affordable corkage, rare wines and a focus on female wine producers. All wines served here are from women winemakers, women-led wineries or wife and husband teams.
Wine and drinks menu: Most drops are from Australia and the menu changes daily, with 12 wines poured each night. There is a shop attached, so you can grab a bottle to drink at the bar for a corkage fee and take home what you can’t finish. The 2023 Tillie J Pinot Noir from producer Natillie Johnson in Yarra Valley, Victoria is one of our favourites. There is also a selection of beer and cocktails; the Yuzushu Spritz is our go-to.
Food menu highlights: The food menu is designed to complement the wines, focusing on a range of Australian cheeses, meats and dips. The egg dip served with sour cream and caviar is delicious, and the bloodwood pecan pâté served with crudités is equally as tasty (and vegan.)
Address: 55 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
Hours: Weds-Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, sun 12pm-9pm
Phone: 0423 134 973
13. Odd Culture Newtown
- Visit this wine bar if you want: An approachable wine bar in the heart of Newtown that masterfully balances refined wine bar with fun vibes.
Wine and drinks menu: With beers for days thanks to 12 rotating taps, fermented cocktails and an extensive wine list championing natural, small-batch producers, you’re always bound to find something to satisfy your 5 pm drink cravings.
Food menu highlights: The upstairs area of the breezy Newtown bar is solely dedicated to dining, and you can expect small dishes ranging from beer bread to potato lorette with dashi creme fraiche. We can’t go past the cauliflower with taleggio sauce, hazelnut, radicchio and breadcrumb. The mushrooms with walnut pesto and feta served on an English muffin is also a hit.
Address: 266 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Hours: Mon-Tue 4pm-12am, Wed-Thur 12pm-12am, Fri 12pm-2am, Sat 10am-2am, Sun 10am-10pm
Phone: (02) 8317 3057
14. Effie’s
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A sophisticated neighbourhood wine bar in Sydney’s Northern Beaches focusing on small plates and natural wine.
Wine and drinks menu: Come evening, coffee is replaced by a tidy yet highly considered menu of natural wines curated by Manly’s Winona. Local, fresh drops are favoured.
Food menu highlights: Standouts include the pickled Asparagus with breadcrumbs, the kimchi potato and the red grape cured trout with a native salad and crostini. Ensure you order dessert – the chocolate cremoux served with spiced walnut and Sichuan caramel is unlike anything we’ve ever had.
Address: 281 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093
Hours: Mon-Tues 6am-2pm, Weds-Fri 6am-2pm/5pm-10pm, Sat 6.30am-2pm/5pm-10pm, Sun 6.30am-2pm
15. BART Jr.
- Visit this wine bar if you want: One of the best wine bars in Sydney taking an unpretentious, approachable approach, BART Jr. is the perfect place for newbies to the wine game.
Wine and drinks menu: The drinks are the main focus here, with a menu balancing delicious cocktails and rare drops. Wines are almost all Australian, favouring natural and biodynamic drops by young winemakers. There are also locally brewed beers and cocktails available (the mezcal margarita is a winner.)
Food menu highlights: Food is compact and constantly evolving, with a new selection of bites every three weeks. The last time we visited, we ordered the caramelised roasted fennel and artichokes served with a delicious, creamy white buffalo ricotta and stracciatella, topped with walnuts and pangritata and anchovy toast. We were not left feeling disappointed, that’s for sure.
Address: 92 Pitt St, Redfern NSW 2016
Hours: Tues 4pm-10pm, Weds-Thurs 4pm-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11.30pm
Phone: 0401 899 845
16. Kahii
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A considered Japanese food menu accompanied by French wines in an intimate setting.
Wine and drinks menu: Wines have been carefully hand-picked from iconic regions in France and bear unique characteristics, as well as stories behind each label. In traditional style, this wine bar is available for walk-ins only.
Food menu highlights: Taking advantage of the best Australian produce alongside the expertise found at its sister venue, KURO, the team have put together a fun Japanese-focused menu. Favourites include the ‘Rock oysters with rhubarb and champagne mignonette’ and of course, the ‘2GR Wagyu tartare with egg yolk jam and anchovy emulsion’.
Address: Kelco House, Lobby/364 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Tue-Sat 5pm until late.
Phone: (02) 9290 1889
17. Love, Tilly Devine
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A romantic spot full of character to while away the evening, where you can savour the wine and share the experience with an old friend or lover.
Wine and drinks menu: They have a list of around 300 wines from around the world. Each of these wines pays homage to the soil where the grapes were grown and the fruity or herby flavours they exude – not the alcohol content.
Food menu highlights: From the snack-centric food menu that showcases small Australian farmers and growers, some of our favourite dishes include the squid ink and truffle salami, the beef tartare with sweet mustard and crisps, and the bullhorn pepper, sun-dried tomato risotto for when we are feeling like something hearty.
Address: 91 Crown Ln, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-12am
Phone: (02) 9326 9297
18. The Wine Library
- Visit this wine bar if you want: A cosy wine bar with an extensive wine list and yummy share plates.
Wine and drinks menu: Choose from over 350 drops on their 15-page strong menu, which favours an eclectic selection. They lean towards natural wine, including orange, skin contact, organic, and biodynamic wine. They also do a few classic cocktails, if you’re that way inclined.
Food menu highlights: We recommend the five courses when you come here, which would look something like this: Gruyere croquettes to snack on, grilled octopus with lemon zest, paprika, and chilli to start, Japanese pumpkin ravioli with ricotta, burnt butter, sage, and almonds for a main, roast potatoes on the side, and tiramisú for dessert.
Address: 18 Oxford St, Woollahra NSW 2025
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 13.30pm-12am
Phone: (02) 9368 7484
19. Banco Manly
- Visit this wine bar if you want: Delicious wines paired with ingredients cooked over charcoal, cold smokes or charred in the heart of Manly.
Wine and drinks menu: Serving cocktails on tap including the Amanda-Rin Gimlet, with gin, Sakura vermouth, lemon myrtle, mandarin, sansho-pepper cordial and citrus, as well as an extensive list of cocktails made to order, you could forget you’re at a wine bar. However, a 300-strong wine lost favouring natural wines will soon become known. Plus, the staff are always happy to discuss the wines and recommend a few drops.
Food menu highlights: One of the best wine bars in Sydney for smokey-flavoured fare, the menu standouts include a lobster roll with miso mayo, pork with black garlic and coriander chutney, cured ocean trout with smoked mushrooms, and the chargrilled plum salad.
Address: 17b Whistler St, Manly NSW 2095
Hours: Mon-Sun 4.30pm-10pm
Phone: 0423 514 977
20. Where’s Nick Wine Bar
- Visit this wine bar if you want: Learn more about wine in a relaxed, cosy setting.
Wine and drinks menu: Just under 150 bottles of natural wine await you at Where’s Nick Wine Bar. The menu features a broad selection of appellations and regions. The same goes for the beers, while spirits are focused on Australian distillers.
Food menu highlights: The snack-heavy menu focuses on fresh flavours with a Mediterranean influence. Try the halloumi in vine leaves or the eggplant with caraway, chili oil, and ajo blanco. Pairing it with the octopus carpaccio with pimento and aioli is great if you want a fresh, satisfying meal that hits the spot every time.
Address: 236 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Hours: Tues 4pm-10pm, Weds-Thurs 4pm-10.30pm, Fri 4pm-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 2pm-9.30pm
Phone: 0481 759 182
Alternatives to These Wine Bars in Sydney
- Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Sydney: Have you ever yearned for an evening of a luscious glass of red by the fire, accompanied by a handpicked, gourmet selection of meats, cheeses and sides, your favourite company and tailored service? It was a trick question, of course, you have. Now imagine it with the very top products selected by Sydney’s top chefs and sommeliers in an industrial-chic setting. You probably won’t have reached the decadence of Bentley Restaurant and Bar. Visit this wine restaurant in Sydney to bring your imagination (and more) to life.
- Dear Sainte Éloise, Potts Point: This quaint wine restaurant in Sydney is named after George Orwell’s reference in Down and Out in Paris in London to Saint Eloise, wherein he prays for enough francs to buy bread and a bottle of wine. Dear Sainte Eloise certainly delivers these goods, and the very best kind at that. The wine list boasts over 400 varieties, but the intuitive, descriptive layout makes this much easier to navigate than it may sound. The food offerings change daily based on the seasons and available produce. With only 40 seats, this is an ideal wine bar for a date or small group for a lush post-work wine.
- 10 William St, Paddington: With a wine list that changes month to month, you can be sure that at 10 William St, you’ll be drinking the best drops of the season. From Japanese digestivos to sparkling reds from the Loire Valley, 10 William St will introduce you to your new favourite drink you never knew you loved. They feature the top vino from all corners of the world and bring it to your corner in one of the best wine bars in Sydney CBD.
- De Vine Food & Wine, Sydney: De Vine Food and Wine Restaurant offer an Italian-inspired culinary experience complemented by an evolving list of 400 Euro-centric wines. With its refined menu, De Vine is easily one of the most memorable and best wine bars in Sydney CBD. Come for the wine, stay for the food and remember for the experience.
- Ragazzi Wine and Pasta, Sydney: Ragazzi Wine and Pasta is the Italian brother, to Love, Tilly Devine (Aussie) and Dear Saint Eloise (French). It offers a 300-bottle wine list that features Italian drops and Aussie-made wines that utilise Italian grapes. The focus is minimal intervention, daily changing wines that bring unexpected excitement to the contemporary Italian setting.
- Vini Divini, Sydney: One of the newest members on the Sydney wine bar scene, Vini Divini is a Mediterranean spot in Sydney’s CBD offering one of the city’s most geographically diverse wine lists. Here, you can select from an impressive wine wall stocking over 1000 bottles from 10 countries (including Greece, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey), as curated by Raphael Mulligan, former head sommelier of Rockpool Dining Group. If you’re hungry, Vini Divini also offers Mediterranean mezze-style dishes so there’s a little something for everyone.
- Ash St. Cellar, Sydney: Combining the hospitality acumen of Merivale, European-inspired tapas and a masterfully curated wine list, Ash St. Cellar is easily one of the best wine bars in Sydney CBD. Merivale’s award-winning sommelier, Franck Moreau, personally curated the wine menu, which features everything from Malagoussia from Greece to a Syrah from the Northern Rhone Valley in France. While most elements hail from Spain, Italy and France, many Australian specialties also make the cut. The wine varies in price to make this the ideal spot for any budget or occasion.
Why You Should Trust Our List
When choosing our list of the best wine bars in Sydney, we had to do the hard yards to narrow down a list to just a few options. We had to try so many wines and bar snacks that we’re still attempting to work off our food/wine baby, as we write this sentence. Our list considers a variety of price points while considering fancy wine bars as well as a few more casual spots. A glass of wine before dinner? No one’s going to argue with that.
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