Where to eat and drink this summer
From iconic city rooftops to hidden laneway gems, Australia is absolutely buzzing with world-class bars and restaurants. The Archie Rose Team has been busy taste-testing, and here is our personal guide to the essential venues for exceptional food and drink this summer.
SYDNEY
Enmore Road has rapidly emerged as the place to be for cocktails in Sydney. Bolstered by the arrival of Silver’s Motel earlier this year from the team behind the legendary PS40, this bar is already making waves - it won the Good Food Guide’s 2026 Bar of the Year. Park yourself at the bar for a journey through their personal collection of rare whiskies and their own delicious selection of house cocktails. And whilst in the neighbourhood, pop your head into Deadwax on Enmore Road and try the refreshing Summer Bootleg cocktail with White Cane, Midori, coconut, rockmelon, and ginger.
The Wharf Restaurant and Folio Bar are located at the Sydney Theatre Company, Walsh Bay. The Wharf Restaurant was an iconic Australian dining spot back in the 80s. Following this year's revamp, it's now firmly back on the map as one of the world's best spots for a pre-show dinner with glorious harbour views. Kick off the night with some oysters and an Archie Rose Wharf Martini as you watch the Sydney ferries navigate the harbour. Across the road at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Folio Bar has just opened after an extensive renovation. With a cocktail list headed up by Sydney hospitality legend Charlie Ainsbury, there’s never been a better reason to arrive early for a show, or secure a spot in a dimly lit corner for a late supper and post-show debrief over a cocktail or two. Top Drink: Flame of Love (Archie Rose Native Botanical Vodka straight from the freezer with a theatrically flamed orange zest garnish).
Opera Bar at the Sydney Opera House recently appointed the team at Applejack Hospitality as its new operator, bringing a strong focus on Australian spirits. Despite being an 1,800-seat venue, snagging a seat on a sunny summer evening can be a challenge, but it is undoubtedly the best place on the harbour for a casual bite to eat and a cocktail. Top Drink: Passion Project (Archie Rose White Cane, passionfruit liqueur, pineapple, lime, almond, coconut & mint).
Corner 75 at 75 Frenchmans Rd, Randwick NSW, is a 40-year-old Hungarian restaurant that was recently taken over by the teams behind top Sydney restaurants Sixpenny and Baba's Place. The venue looks largely the same, but the menu is where the magic happens. The team sources the best ingredients to create a comforting journey through Hungarian cuisine, along with a drinks list featuring both local (including Archie Rose) and Eastern European delights. This is one to add to your list all year round. Top Dish: Roasted Sommerlad Chicken.
The fit-out alone is a reason to seek out Grandfathers in Angel Place, Sydney, the newest restaurant from the team that brought us Clam Bar, Neptune's Palace, and Pellegrino 2000. There's a lot to love on the menu, so you might find yourself stopping in a few times to escape the heat, admire the numerous, meticulously cleaned tropical fish tanks, and wander through the cocktail menu. Hot Tip: This is one of the best places in Sydney to grab a late-night feast, with the kitchen open for last dishes until 12:30am Thursday to Saturday. Not a night owl? Catch the daily yum cha menu, only available for lunch, hand-made in-house by their team of dumpling experts. Top Dish: Red Emperor Under Fragrant Green Chilli.
MELBOURNE
Melbourne continues to offer a wealth of great watering holes for summer drinking.Hands Down is a new addition from the team behind well-respected establishments Bar Liberty, Above Board, and Capitano. Located in the old Bad Frankie space in Fitzroy, the 50/50 Martini with Bone Dry Gin is a certified classic.
In the city, there’s the ever-reliable Whitehart Bar - which is a great option for drinks and music in the sun - try the Long Weis To Go, a rum, mango, and coconut concoction perfect for long summer evenings. Good Heavens is another rooftop that’s ideal for catching some rays over a cocktail, whilst Beneath Driver Lane is an option to escape the heat - drink a Rhubarb Crumble whilst enjoying some live music. Three Horses is another recent addition (from the Caretaker’s Cottage crew), offering plenty of sherry, signature exemplary hospitality, flavourful cocktails, and great music. You'll find beautiful city views at On Top, perched atop the Standard X in Fitzroy. Hawthorn has welcomed Bar Selecta, a Japanese-inspired listening bar hidden down a laneway and offering top music, cocktails, and sake. And Studio Amaro on Chapel Street is always worth a visit for a bite to eat, a glass of wine, and a cocktail or two.
PERTH, FREMANTLE & BUSSELTON
Nextdoor is a neighbourhood steak restaurant in South Perth that is currently serving up some of the best cocktails in the West. Led by bartender Charlie Coates, the drinks are sophisticated, interesting, and above all else - delicious. Try the Zest Intentions with Lemon Scented Gum Gin and finger lime soda for a refreshing summer sipper.
Strange Company in Fremantle has been a favourite of ours for more than 10 years. Whether it’s beer, wine, cocktails, or food, you know it’s all going to be top-notch, and it’s served in a place that always has one of the best vibes in town. In Northbridge, Fu Lu Shou is an under-the-radar gem in Chinatown serving up some top-notch drinks just across the lane from the institution that is Uncle Billy’s. Some of the friendliest crew in Perth hospitality are serving up one of the best whisky highballs in Australia (with our Single Malt Whisky, of course) - or settle in and try the famous Fu Lu Shou Punch Bowl. Just around the corner, The Standard is serving up Mediterranean vibes in a beautiful bar, restaurant, and rooftop deck space. Try the special Archie’s Cocoberry, a delicious Piña Colada twist - you won’t regret it.
If you’re planning a trip ‘down south,’ check out Busselton Pavilion for a drink in the warm sunshine. There’s an impressive drinks list to go alongside the elevated pub fare, which is no surprise given Elise Godwin is behind the cocktails here. To cool down, try the White Cane slushie, available all summer.
ADELAIDE
If you’re down by the beach in Glenelg, you definitely need to check out Bullet Club, run by two legends of the Adelaide hospitality scene. Who couldn’t love a 90s American Grunge Bar with Japanese/American fusion cuisine? It has a great selection of booze and banging food to boot (the corn ribs are a must!).
Maybe Mae has been one of the top bars in Adelaide for more than a decade, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Always celebrating the best of the season, this is a basement well worth retreating to when it’s sweltering outside. Check out the Bill Murray cocktail with Double Malt Whisky, apricot, lemon, and mint. Just around the corner, another institution in the local bar scene is Hains & Co. Open every day from 4pm–2am, there’s always a good time to be had on the terrace. Whether it’s rum, whisky, or gin, the drinks and hospitable service are exceptional here.
Just north of the city, Plant 4 Bowden is a very cool family-friendly venue in the old Clipsal building, with an industrial-chic feel, regular farmers' markets, and a great selection of international eateries to grab a bite or perch for a drink.
BRISBANE & GOLD COAST
Milquetoast is a must-visit for fans of exceptional bar food, cocktails, and wine. There is a rotating martini menu every month featuring an Australian distillery, with mini and full-sized options. Rhymes with Orange is our current summer cocktail pick, featuring White Cane, passionfruit, and white chocolate. The Lobby Bar is an all-day destination at The Calile Hotel - drop in for a Calile Spritz or Yuzu Cloud and escape the heat of shopping on James St. Other Brisbane favourites include Bar Miette (great views, patio vibes, well-curated food and drinks in the CBD) and Frogs Hollows Saloon (good booze, great whisky, and even better times).
Further south,** Rosella’s** is the only bar on the Gold Coast that features a 100% Australian drinks list. $10 Parmi’s on Thursdays are outrageously good value and pair well with the Bondi Beach cocktail - think pine-lime Splice summer flavours. The recently opened Mondrian is just across the road, and it is wow! Haven and Lito are both well-considered options at Mondrian’s first hotel in Australia. Cantina is also a must-visit if you’re nearby Mermaid Beach - exceptional.
DARWIN
Bar Kokomo and Hanky Panky are two of our favourite venues in Darwin, with extensive cocktail lists featuring seasonal drinks, original creations, and classic cocktails. Get in early for food and drink specials most days from 4-6pm.
HOBART
In Tasmania, Rude Boy has been a regular haunt on many trips south, with a cocktail lineup that is adventurous, full of fun flavours, and focuses on a strong local ethos, seasonal produce, and sustainability. Very tasty fried chicken and cocktails are a great combo.