Diners' Choice: Great for creative cocktails restaurants in Sydney

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best handcrafted cocktails in Sydney? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

MAIZ Mexican

4.7

4.7 (128)

$41 to $100

Mexican

Newtown

About the restaurant

Maíz is the word for corn in Spanish which is the backbone of the Mexican food scene. Maíz Mexican Food is a food and beverage concept that celebrates and integrates a wide range of corn preparations that most Mexican restaurants aren’t offering at the moment. Our menu draws on the bold and fresh flavours of Mexico, our traditions and culture to bring you a unique dining experience.

Top review

Sammi

Dined 6 days ago

The food is delicious, fairly small restaurant which helps for service to be personal. I've eaten here a few times and each time it was been wonderful - must get the corn soup.

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4.7

4.7 (364)

$41 to $100

Mediterranean

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

Ikaria is a Greek Island which derives its name from Icarus, who is believed to have fallen into the sea after he tried to fly to the sun with wax wings. One of the five Blue Zones in the world, Ikaria is a natural idyll in the Aegean Sea where people are said to live the longest. It is a nature lover's paradise surrounded by crystal blue water along the coast. The Ikarian way of life has inspired us to bring the lifestyle and longevity to the iconic Bondi Beach. With unobstructed ocean views, Ikaria Bondi brings people together to create a bond between community and friends through Mediterranean Mezes and delicious cocktails.

Top review

Peter

Dined 5 days ago

The banquet gave us a lot of variety and introduction to a number of Greek dishes. The dips and cauliflower were great.

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Experience

IKARIAN BANQUET $89pp

Experience

MEDITERRANEAN FEAST $75pp

Experience

AEGEAN BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH $99pp

The Waratah

4.7

4.7 (118)

$41 to $100

Australian

Darlinghurst

About the restaurant

The Waratah is a neighbourhood friendly bar, located in the heart of Darlinghurst.

Our ground floor features a friendly and easy-going public bar designed for walk-ins only. Upstairs is open for bookings, with a vibrant terrace bar complete with a stunning sun-draped rooftop and wrap-around veranda.

Our focus is on cocktails and great food. The Waratah is our love letter to all that makes Australia unique: small & independent producers, local growers, native produce and a diverse and singular landscape.

Welcome to The Waratah, let’s explore Australia together.

Top review

Jade

Dined 6 days ago

I had such a great night. We went there with my boyfriend for the $25 steak and fries night on Thursday’s, and the meat was amazing, the staff as well, really friendly. This place is well decorated, thanks for everything :) will come back and recommand for sure

Tokyo Bird

4.6

4.6 (615)

$40 and under

Japanese

Surry Hills

About the restaurant

Tokyo Bird is a Japanese inspired small bar located in Belmore Lane, Surry Hills, serving Japanese whisky and beer, cocktails, sake and yakitori – chicken and other delicious morsels on skewers, grilled Japanese style.

Tokyo Bird combines the best of Tokyo’s yakitori-ya and izakaya with classic cocktail bars in an intimate Sydney laneway small bar. We look forward to welcoming you to Tokyo Bird!

Top review

Timothy

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

The owner gave us extra attention all night and generally made it a wonderful evening. The food was so delicious

Saga Bar

4.6

4.6 (456)

$41 to $100

International

Chippendale

About the restaurant

A mythical island oasis containing a magical hybrid of different influences from India, the Middle East & South East Asia. SAGA brings together the best of all things beautiful and delicious about these regions and combines them all in one unforgettable establishment. Let SAGA whisk you away to a haven where you can enjoy the world’s finest and most exclusive wines, unique and mouth-watering cocktails, and a perfectly seasoned and matching food menu to tie it all together.

Top review

Caresse

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

Fun night with beautiful food and cocktails. Very good service and fun vibe.

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Experience

Saga Bottomless Brunch

Makaveli

4.6

4.6 (61)

$40 and under

Italian

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

An Italian inspired eatery promising to serve as a home away from home. Makaveli provides a warm and welcoming space for a morning coffee, an afternoon bite, or a lively evening out. The carefully curated menu includes a selection of snacks and shareable plates, designed to complement an innovative beverage selection which features locally sourced coffee and creative cocktails. The menu at Makaveli is a tribute to the joy of sharing food, with an emphasis on communal dining. Key menu highlights include Burrata, Kingfish Crudo, and Stracciatella di bufala. Makaveli will also emphasise supporting local, independent wineries, showcasing their unique flavours and craftsmanship.

Top review

Shanelle

Dined on Apr 24, 2025

Absolutely wonderful experience, love this place to bits. Thank you! x

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Experience

Bottomless $99pp, non refundable deposit required

China Diner - Bondi

4.5

4.5 (556)

$40 and under

Chinese

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

China Diner represents a contemporary approach to Asian Dining, in a stylish venue inspired by 1930's Shanghai. China Diner specialises in dumplings, vegan, seafood & meat dishes, that pair perfectly with an extensive wine, sake & cocktail list. All a short stroll from Bondi Beach.

Top review

russell

Dined 4 days ago

Took friends who were going for the first time Dinner was delicious. We’ve been meaning times and there will be many more

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Experience

Roll on Bottomless Brunch

Hustlers. Syd

4.5

4.5 (207)

$101 and over

Asian

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

Our menus will take you on a culinary journey throughout Asia, paying homage to our cultures by elevating traditional flavours through modern techniques. Enter underground and indulge in a mouth-watering menu of shared plates and cocktails.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing food and superb service! The vibe is onc point very relaxing and great for date night!

barmilano | Restaurant, Bar & Events Venue

4.4

4.4 (138)

$41 to $100

Italian

Maroubra

About the restaurant

Step into the streets of Italy, where Northern Italian cuisine meets the spectacular Maroubra coastline.

barmilano is a Northern Italian restaurant, Aperitivo bar and Events Venue, serving up beautiful food, great wines, cocktails and relaxed beachside vibes. We Represent a unique dining experience in Sydney's Eastern suburbs.

Open for lunch & Dinner

Top review

Pam

Dined on Apr 24, 2025

We had a fabulous evening. Fantastic staff and delicious food! Great menu 😊

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Experience

BYO WEDNESDAY'S

Experience

SEAFOOD SUNDAY'S AT BARMILANO! PLATTER FOR 2- $190

Experience

APERITIVO HOUR AT BARMILANO!

Miji Bar & Grill

4.0

4 (17)

$41 to $100

Japanese

North Sydney

About the restaurant

Miji Bar & Grill is a Japanese Izakaya Bar & Grill that offers the freshest grilled seafood, complemented by a selection of beer and fine sake. Experience Japanese dining in a lively atmosphere, perfect for casual nights or special celebrations.

* 11:30-14:30 Lunch Menu
* 14:30-17:00 Happy Hour (Drinks Only)
* 17:00-21:30 Dinner Menu

Top review

Berty

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Great service & food, highly recommend for this restaurant.

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