The Best Wine Bars in Sydney

With a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that blends traditional and innovative cuisine, Cafe Paci is a place where you can enjoy shared plates and wine at the bar, or savor aged steaks and fantastic seafood at a table. The restaurant, run by acclaimed chef Pasi Petanen, offers an interesting selection of dishes and a wine list focusing on biodynamic and natural wines. Not only is the food and drink top-notch, but the service is attentive yet casual, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Recommended by

Beau Clugston

Chef – Copenhagen, Denmark

The mighty Finn. Lovely restaurant in Newtown with superb cooking by chef Pasi Petanen. A place to drop in to the bar and have shared plates and wine, or a table full with aged steaks and fantastic seafood.

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With an impressive selection of Australia's finest wines, Bar Copains offers a thoughtful and delicious food menu in a superbly vibey setting. The spot is known for its wine-friendly salumi, chicken liver parfait, and whippy cod's rose with potato crisps, all served in a natural, textural, and moody atmosphere. In addition to their wine and food, the bar also hosts various events, making it a dynamic and engaging place to visit.

Recommended by

Beau Clugston

Chef – Copenhagen, Denmark

A wine bar with care. A wonderful local wine bar that has some of Australia’s best wine selections. Food that is thoughtful and delicious. Super hosts and superb vibe.

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This establishment offers a unique twist on traditional Italian cuisine, with dishes like tagliatelle al ragù di cortile, a flavorful pasta dish made with a rich sauce of braised rooster, pork shoulder, guanciale, and duck liver. The venue is a combination of a bottle shop, wine bar, and elegant dining room, offering a diverse experience for its visitors. The wine list is particularly impressive, focusing on Italian wines and providing a comprehensive exploration of the country's viticulture.

Recommended by

Pat Nourse

Food Writer – Melbourne, Australia

If you like Italian food or (mostly) Italian wine with a subtle subversive twist, you’re gonna love it. Half serve, full flavour: tagliatelle al ragù di cortile. Which translates, in Enrico Tomelleri's talented hands, to supple ribbons of fresh tagliatelle with a sumptuous sauce made with braised rooster, pork shoulder, guanciale and duck liver. I had a feeling I was going to fall hard for Paski Vineria Popolare, and fall hard I did. If you like Italian food or (mostly) Italian wine with a subtle subversive twist, you’re gonna love it. With Enrico, Mattia Dicati and the force of nature that is Giorgio de Maria on the case, it’s a thing of wonder and delight.

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This restaurant and wine bar, Poly, offers a unique dining experience with a kitchen powered by fire. Known for its clever and delicious dishes, it serves a variety of food, including subtly-infused 'bloodcake' and bold scarlet prawns with prawn salt, reflecting the influence of Australia's southeast Asian immigrants. Poly's wine list is a compilation of remarkable wines produced by passionate winemakers, driven by organic and biodynamic principles.

Recommended by

Palisa Anderson

Restaurateur – Sydney, Australia

My favourite go-to with family or friends for a casual dinner. Sister to Ester, Poly is clever, delicious and precisely what I love to eat with friendly staff who know the fab wine list well.

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This modest-sized spot boasts big flavors, with the staff being well-informed and capable. The drinks list is comprehensive, offering a wide range of options for every taste. Known for its exceptional pasta, it is currently considered one of the best in Australia.

Recommended by

Duncan Welgemoed

Chef – Adelaide, Australia

Small place, massive flavours. The front of house is smooth and knowledgeable, excellent drinks list. The food is fucking insanely good. Seriously. Best pasta in Australia right now, hands down, see ya later.

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