Sydney’s skyline is undeniably iconic, whether you’re looking towards the CBD, out at the harbour or anywhere else. Luckily, many bars and restaurants make their home at the best rooftops in Sydney, so you can pair that view with top-notch plates and drinks. On the heights, you’ll find chic cocktail bars, bottomless brunches, stellar food pairings and jaw-dropping views.
Take in sweeping views and wood-fired pizzas in Woollahra, or swing by Bankstown for a quiet sanctuary. A perched garden in the heart of the CBD is perfect for special occasions, while Potts Point is home to a vibrant rooftop bar serving up Mexican cuisine and fun cocktails. Head to Darling Harbour for a floral hotel hotspot, or visit Darlinghurst for something a little closer to the ground offering local Aussie produce. Wherever you go – and however high up you want to be – the best rooftops in Sydney are waiting for you.
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Keep reading to discover the best rooftops in Sydney
For one of the best rooftops in Sydney for pizza with a view– book at Rooftop at The Light Brigade in Woollahra
Just over 80 metres above sea level, Rooftop at The Light Brigade offers sweeping views towards the CBD skyline. The multi-storey red-brick building hides a rooftop getaway with pastel furnishings and a central bar. Relax on couches under large umbrellas or grab a stool at the bar and enjoy pub eats and drinks, al fresco. Wood-fired pizzas are the Rooftop’s signature dish; on Mondays, they’re a special price. Enjoy a classic margherita and add on some Cantabrian anchovies on the side for a salty twist. The truffle ham pizza features aromatic truffle white sauce, roast mushrooms and rosemary potato. Alternatively, go for the house-crumbed schnitty or dress it up with Napolitana sauce and turn it into a parmie and chips. The juicy crisp fried chicken burger is always a hit, while the vegetarian shroom burger features Kentucky-fried field mushrooms and beetroot jam. Share plates of nachos grande and delicate sashimi with margaritas or a glass of the house wine.
For one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney with outdoor fire pits – check out Lady Banks Rooftop in Bankstown
Lady Banks Rooftop takes its name from Lady Dorothea Banks, wife of botanist Joseph Banks and namesake of his unique thornless yellow rose. The outdoor area wraps 360 degrees around the central indoor bar, so you can take in every angle of the skyline. Dine under the hanging lights and watch the sunset over the city, on the spacious balcony with fire pits and sheltered seating. Fill your table with small share plates of light bites to graze on while you enjoy wine, beer and cocktails. The antipasto board features meats and cheeses alongside sweet fig jam, stuffed bell peppers and lavosh. Alternatively, try the creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes and the juicy butterflied king prawns. Larger share plates include the indulgent 1.2 kg Pinnacle tomahawk with skin-on potato chips, and the signature seafood platter with dressed rock oysters, cured king salmon and much more.
For Turkish delights at one of the best rooftop restaurants in Sydney – check out Babylon Rooftop Bar in the Sydney CBD
In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Babylon Rooftop Bar lets you get above the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Part of Babylon RESTAURANT, it’s perfect for special occasions. Located on Level 7 of Westfield Sydney, make your way through the gilded vintage dining space and out onto the stylish balcony with marble tables, hanging plants and lanterns. For a truly unique experience, book the rooftop turret, a sheltered, semi-private dining space with archways looking out onto the city and the rest of the balcony. The Rooftop serves Babylon’s bar menu with Turkish meze plates that pair perfectly with the bar’s signature cocktails and on-tap beers. Try the crispy gozleme flatbread filled with spinach and feta or some creamy pan-fried halloumi with honey and oregano. From the mangal grill, order wood-fired cabbage kebabs or a juicy marinated half-chicken. Finish off with classics like Turkish delight or flaky handmade baklava. On Saturdays from 11 am to 12:30 pm, the bar offers meze and mimosa, the chef’s choice meze plates and bottomless mimosas. Other popular cocktails include the Bloody Shiraz spritz with Bloody Shiraz gin, sour plum and wild rose vermouth and the oasis with blue curacao and plantation pineapple.
For Mexican eats at one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney – visit Sweethearts Rooftop in Potts Point
Dine amidst the treetops on the leafy green Sweethearts Rooftop. It sits on top of the iconic Potts Point Hotel, which boasts a chic bar, live performances and a nightclub space on its other floors. Sweethearts is a lively, casual space serving up Mexican eats and creative cocktails with gorgeous views of the Potts Point skyline. potted plants and flowers accentuate the bright, colourful space, creating a relaxed garden party vibe. Retractable awnings, heaters and DJ beats ensure you can enjoy the atmosphere all year round. The cantina menu includes share plates of crispy patatas bravas with chipotle mayo or juicy chargrilled octopus with squid ink sofrito. Alternatively, order tacos filled with fried cactus or fajitas with beef and chimichurri. Pair your dishes with one of the signature cocktails like the pimento paloma with limoncello and pimento agave or the a-maize-ing gimlet with totopos oleo. The bar also offers several flights of tequila and a range of beers on tap.
For one of the best rooftops in Sydney for bottomless brunch – take in the sunset at Above 319 in the Sydney CBD
A vibrant, buzzing cocktail bar on the top floor of Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour, Above 319 is a hidden getaway above the busy city streets. The open-air rooftop terrace is decorated with floral installations and neon signs. Sit on plush benches and sip on summery spritzes or smooth wines. Share carafes of cocktails like the you’re a peach with vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry as you watch the sun set over Darling Harbour. The food menu offers bar snacks like crispy truffle mushroom arancini and juicy sliders. From 3 pm, the kitchen also whips up a selection of 7-inch pizzas. It hosts happy hour every day of the week from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, book Above 319’s bottomless spritz brunch featuring bottomless spritzes (Aperol and Limoncello) and woodfired pizzas. Above 319 is the perfect spot for drinks and nibbles, whether it’s with your partner, friends or colleagues. From sun-soaked lunches to cocktails under the stars, this is one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.
For one of the best rooftop restaurants in Sydney for susnet drinks and a stellar Sunday roast – try The Waratah in Darlinghurst
Darlinghurst’s The Waratah is the perfect rooftop bar for those who prefer to stay a little closer to the ground. The two-storey restaurant features a wrap-around veranda and a sheltered rooftop dining space on the second floor, where sunlight streaks in through the slatted roof onto green-tiled tables and cushioned benches. The Waratah, named for New South Wales’ official floral emblem, is all about celebrating native produce, independent producers and local growers. The menu showcases Australian cooking made with Australian ingredients. Think Sydney rock oysters with rosella mignonette and Australian Bay lobster rolls with Ziggy’s hot sauce. For something heartier, try the Kinross Station lamb rump with pickled radicchio or the 600-gram Westholme 5+ Wagyu sirloin with a diane sauce. For dessert, opt for an elevated take on an Aussie childhood classic with the fairy bread ice-cream sandwich or opt for a plate of fine cheeses. Come here on Sundays for the Sunday Roast or order the set menu for a feast based on the chef’s selection.
For one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney’s CBD – swing by Zeta Bar in the Sydney CBD
Large, leafy trees and moss around the bar make Zeta Bar into a garden oasis tucked away in the heart of the CBD. This exclusive dining space exudes sophistication and style, from the furnishings to the drinks. Sip on a Tokyo sour with vodka, umeshu, yuzu and edible flowers or try the salaryman, which comes with an edible dollar bill. Pair your drinks with some crunchy tempura prawns with yuzu and wasabi or some lobster rolls with a dash of lime. Alternatively, grab some plates for sharing like the charcuterie platter featuring mortadella and air-dried pork or the crispy fries with truffle parmesan. The wine list includes bottles and glasses from Australia, France and New Zealand. Try a fine-textured Coonawarra Sauvignon or a light-bodied Petit Chablis from Burgundy.
The best rooftops in Sydney play host to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Combining quality food with scenic views is always a great way to celebrate a special occasion. Relax on leafy rooftops in the CBD or soak up Darling Harbour views, all with a cocktail in hand and a spread of sharing plates on the table.
The best rooftops in Sydney await – book your spot on OpenTable today.
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