Without a doubt one of Sydney's sexiest bars, the Opera Bar is where you'll find the suits mixing it up with the über glam and cool crowd on a Friday night. The live band combined with a tourist element adds a buzz, giving the Opera Bar a chilled out, relaxed vibe instead of a pretentious one.
The stylish Opera Bar
With jets of flame lighting up the skyline of Australia's most beautiful harbour, the views here are pretty impressive. And you can enjoy them in comfort with the many heaters amongst the outdoor 'beer garden', a plus for those wanting to glam up minus the shivering all night. You can order drinks inside the main bar – a curved room which hugs the harbour's edge – or limited drinks from a smaller outside bar.
The view at dusk
The drinks menu suits the backdrop with a wide selection of wines by the glass, local and international beers and inspired cocktails such as 'Dirty Carpet Disco' – chambord, vanilla-infused belvedere, wild strawberry liqueur, finished with apple juice, soda and mixed berries ($17) and 'Opera White Tea' – Russian standard vodka, poire william liqueur, cointreau, sauza tequilia, pear puree and soda ($16). It also boasts its own beers – the Opera Bar Organic Pale Ale ($7.50) and the Organic Blonde ($8.00).
If you're feeling peckish there's the 'Opera Bar Tasting Plate for two' – a spread of chickpea, cauliflower and pine nut tagine; crisp polenta, avocado and black bean salsa; kingfish, alaskan crab tapa, chicken croquettes with jalapeño; beef and burgundy pie; pulled pork and pickled cabbage pancakes ($48). Not in the mood for sharing? Choose from the usual pastas, pizzas, seafood and grilled meats on offer.
Whether you're after somewhere to start your night or stay a little longer, it's hard to go past this stylish hub. Its location alone makes it a memorable Sydney experience but does so witnessing the vibrant cross section of professionals, party crowd and travellers. Even if bars aren't your scene, this one is still definitely worth a visit for a cocktail or two.
