The Sydney Traveler

The Rum Diaries sounds like a seedy pirate hang-out but don’t be fooled. This hot new Bondi eatery is super friendly restaurant and bar.
Emmy-Award winning designer Mark Bowey has created a colonial interior which is warm and welcoming.
The open atmosphere continues with the menu, which features around 20 “fusion tapas” dishes which are made to share. My mouth’s watering just thinking about the Chilean Pil Pil prawns with citrus crème, Tuscan braised chicken drumsticks with olive salsa, and the naked wedges with Murray River salt and thyme.
But as the name suggests, visitors come for the rum. Your stay is not …read more

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Steel might seem like an unusual name for one of Sydney’s newest bars and grills, but when you step inside the Michael McCann-designed eatery it all makes sense. Every surface is shiny, slick, and metallic. It looks so clean and modern!
The restaurant is the newest venture for Damian Heads (yes, the guy from Ready, Steady Cook). The open kitchen adds a little entertainment to proceedings. And those live tanks let you know your crayfish is as fresh as can be.
The menu is modern yet unpretentious. My mouth is watering thinking about the dry-aged rib eye on the bone, the Goan …read more

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I always thought sipping cocktails with the girls on a Friday night was pretty indulgent. But at Zeta Bar, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This popular Sydney watering hole will transport you to a New York bar, a Hawaiian beach, a bustling Havana street, or a Carribbean hotspot with their cocktail experiences.
Guests are blindfolded, fitting with headphones, and sprayed with scented mists while they enjoy their favourite drink. The sensory journeys have been compared to spa treatments, although I can’t remember enjoying alcohol in any day spa!
“We are trying to sell it as an experience,” said Zeta’s consultant …read more

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Today is Tavern Day, an occasion which marks the opening of America’s first tavern in Boston in 1634. To celebrate, the Travel Channel is serving up details of some of the world’s coolest bars.
Here in Sydney, we’re lucky enough to have one of the globe’s most multicultural populations. Our bar scene reflects this, with pubs proudly representing folks from all over the world. Here’s my guide to experiencing the best of Europe without ever leaving the city.
Ireland – Sydney has plenty of Irish bars, but my favourite is Scruffy Murphys (43-49 Goulburn St, Sydney). This friendly pub in the heart …read more

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Late last year a revolutionary new player entered the Sydney entertainment scene. Springfield’s Restaurant and Bar brings together fine dining and exemplary alcohol in a unique environment. Visitors can enjoy upmarket a la carte meals, a few drinks, or combine the two.
“Unlike North America, much of Europe and even Melbourne, Sydney has a very lineal nightlife, we have a large choice of restaurants, a large choice of bars and pubs, but few places that merge the two successfully,” explained Springfield’s’ designer Chris Jolliffe.
“Springfield’s will be an oasis in an edgy part of town, a place that doesn’t shy away from …read more

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The Light Brigade Dining Room and Bar has been part of the Sydney social scene for decades, but it’s set to become even more popular following its new facelift.
The first floor has been completely revamped, although the building’s original art deco designs have been preserved. This is where you can enjoy cocktails and relaxation, away from the noise of the sporting bar downstairs.
Chef Silvana Paris delivers Modern Australian and European dishes at the Light Brigade Dining Room. With dishes like freshly shucked oysters and roasted duck breast, it’s a cut above your standard pub fare.
Trading hours: Open for lunch on …read more

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Rambutan offers more than just good food. It’s also one of the hottest nightspots in the city, with celebrities like Jennifer Hawkins and boyfriend Jake Wall regularly sampling the speciality cocktails.
The bar, on the groundfloor of the chic Thai eatery, has a very cool, laidback vibe. The instrumental music is subtle yet funky, allowing you to easily chat to friends over a few drinks.
It also looks impressive, with mirrored walls, stainless steel tables, and an awesome fish tank home to two black and white striped eels.
The bar’s signature drinks include an exquisite mix of sparkling wine and sorbet known as the …read more

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Pubs are a dime a dozen in Sydney, but there’s none quite like Minus 5.
Sure, it looks like your average watering hole at first glance. It’s got the obligatory restaurant, some fantastic harbour views, but what about the bar? Try and buy a drink and that’s when things get interesting.
Firstly you’ll visit an air-locked “warming room.” Here you’ll rug up in a parka, ugg boots, and gloves before receiving a 20-minute timer. The reason for this will soon become apparent.
Because, you see, Minus 5’s bar is made entirely of ice. That’s right - the walls, stools, tables, bar, even the …read more

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