Great Australian Bites: 23 Bars With Great Food

A bar without snacks is borderline criminal. Luckily these bars have come to the party.

The best bar bites demand to be paired with a round of drinks. Be it a textbook version of a toasted sanga or a contemporary take on tapas, here is our guide to Australian bars that are as serious about the food as the drinks.

Vic | NSW | Qld | NT | WA

1. The Botanical Hotel, South Yarra, Vic

Best for: Oscietra caviar, traditional fries or Guindilla peppers with a spicy margarita.

Although you can choose your own adventure at the Botanical Hotel – there’s a Brasserie, Winestore and Bar – you will be primed to party when you start out in the main bar of this refurbished hotel. The Botanical Hotel has been a haunt for South Yarra locals since the mid-1800s.

caviar and happy hour drinks at Botanical Hotel — Head to The Botanical Hotel at happy hour.

Address: 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra, VIC

2. Apollo Inn, Melbourne, Vic

Best for: Martinis and gnocco fritto and making friends with strangers.

Ask Melburnians which restaurant is a must when visiting the Victorian capital and the Gimlet will get a guernsey.

Can’t get a booking at Andrew McConnell’s oh-so-glamorous Gimlet at Cavendish House? Never mind. Corral your friends and get thee to Apollo Inn instead, which is just 50 metres away.

the dimly lit bar interior of Apollo Inn — The Apollo Inn is perfect for date night. (Image: Earl Carter)

The menu of snacks and share plates at Apollo Inn is designed with drinking in mind. Order a tray of martinis to start. Follow with raw tuna with grapefruit and fennel seed or the crab bun, which deserves its cult following. Finish with more martinis.

a candle-lit dinner at Apollo Inn — An intimate candle-lit dinner awaits at Apollo Inn. (Image: Jo McGann)

Address: 165 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC

3. Mill Place Merchants, Melbourne, Vic

Best for: A classic bikini sandwich with mortadella, mozzarella and bush tomato relish paired with a classy opera cocktail.

Heading out for a bite to eat has never been so fun. Smooth down your linen ‘fit and order some small bites at Mill Place Merchants , a classic candle-lit speakeasy tucked away in a 19th-century sandstone building in Melbourne’s CBD.

small bites with a drink at Mill Place Merchants — Order some small bites at Mill Place Merchants.

Turn your eye to the salt and vinegar crisps and a glass of something fizzy.

classic bikini sandwiches with a classy Opera Cocktail at Mill Place Merchants — Sip a classy Oopera cocktail with classic bikini sandwiches.

Address: 2 Mill Place, Melbourne, VIC

4. Re’em, Yarra Valley, Vic

Best for: Hainan chicken, puffed rice and pickled cucumber with a glass of 2022 Re’em Chardonnay.

Helen and Joey Xu have leant into their Chinese heritage at their new restaurant Re’em at Helen & Joey Estate in the Yarra Valley. Forget nibbling on Nobby’s Nuts. Culinary consultant Mark Ebbels (ex-The Fat Duck, Bacchanalia) has designed an elevated selection of cellar door snacks such as shiitake mushroom dumplings and lamb belly skewers.

food on a plate beside a wine glass and bottle at Re’em, Yarra Valley, Vic — Choose from an elevated selection of cellar door snacks at Re’em.

Address: 12-14 Spring Lane, Gruyere, VIC

5. Pipi’s Kiosk, Albert Park, Vic

Best for: Salt cod croquettes with a Pipis spritz.

Pipi’s Kiosk is somewhat of a quiet achiever. Anchored to the Kerferd Road Pier on the Albert Park foreshore, the venue will evoke childhood memories of going to the beach and doing the pipi shuffle.

a char-grilled baby octopus at Pipi's Kiosk — Enjoy chargrilled baby octopus at Pipi’s Kiosk. (Image: Jana Langhorst)

The bartenders here make a big impact with cocktails categorised under A Glass of Something Special.

a plate of raw fish in salted plum with wine at Pipi's Kiosk — Don’t pass up the chance to try their raw fish in salted plum. (Image: Jana Langhorst)

Address: 129A Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, VIC

6. Backroom Bar, South Yarra, Vic

Best for: Empanadas with vegan pork mince and plantain.

Delete all your dating apps. Instead, pop on a pair of scarlet wedges with your high-waisted jeans and enter the clamorous Backroom Bar where there’s a high chance you will meet your vegan soulmate IRL.

The subterranean South Yarra Bar is all Art Deco charm and anti-conformist vibes. It’s also a great venue for a #girldinner or pre-theatre tipple.

hands reaching for food on a plate at Backroom Bar — Backroom Bar is your place to be for a vegan girl dinner.

Address: 234 Toorak Road, South Yarra, VIC

7. Non Disclosure, Geelong, Vic

Best for: Caviar and oysters and a coupla Business as Yuzu-Al cocktails.

Full disclosure: we haven’t made it to Non Disclosure . But we have heard amazing things about this Geelong bar located in the lively Little Malop St precinct. The bar brought to you by the team behind the 18th Amendment Bar and Manhattan Bar has an old-timey feel meant to evoke the glory days of The Great Gatsby of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel. Bring your main character energy to the seductive space.

a table-top view of food and drinks at Non Disclosure, Geelong, Vic — Bring your main character energy to Non Disclosure.

Address: 2/71 Little Malop St, Geelong, VIC

8. Georgie Wine Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: A martini and steak frites after a shopping trip to the QVB.

Hey there, Georgie girl. Say ‘hey’ to a buffed and polished New York wine bar in Sydney’s CBD. By day, the ground-floor bar on the corner of George and Bond streets draws pretzel and bagel aficionadoes to its casual streetside window. But as day turns to night, the 60-seater with the checkerboard floor morphs into a moody bar giving neighbourhood Manhattan vibes. The wine bar – all marble, velvet and accents of gold – serves classic martinis and manhattans in vintage glassware, which sets the tone and pays homage to the building’s handsome Art Deco heritage.

Plates of food laid out on a table with chicken wings and oysters and terrine.

Don’t miss the surf and turf skewers threaded by chef Gil Ghidalia (ex Shell House and Aria) which entice commuters and local office workers to pop in for a quick and casual lunch. There’s also its great Australian bites. The bar menu at Georgie is rooted in provenance with a focus on humble share plates such as devilled eggs, terrine du jour and a classic cheeseburger with wagyu and bacon slathered in a secret sauce.

Beautiful backlit bar with a marble countertop and aubergine-hued stools at Georgie's Wine Bar in the CBD. — Georgie’s is all marble, velvet and gilt-edged Art Deco glamour.

Chef Gil also has plans to serve a mystery snack from the streetside window such as Rockefeller toasties or Reuben eclairs. Watch this space.

9. Bottega Wine Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Casual bar bites with a memorable glass of wine in a stunning location.

The Restaurant Pendolino is one of Sydney’s best restaurants. Now those wanting to pop in for a bite to eat pre-dinner or post-theatre can enjoy the more casual offering from Bottega Pendolino , the new wine bar at the front of the restaurant in the Strand Arcade.

the dining interior of Bottega Wine Bar — Book a table for two at Bottega Wine Bar.

Like its big sister, the wine bar is reflective of its downtown Sydney locale in the charming heritage-listed Victorian-era building.

Choose from an array of casual share plates such as king prawn rye cocktail sandwiches, eggplant fritters and oysters.

a spread of dinner plates on the table at Bottega Wine Bar — Pick from the casual share plates on offer.

Address: Level 2, The Strand Arcade, Sydney, NSW

10. Nick & Nora’s, Parramatta, NSW

Best for: Oysters and Champagne darling.

Have your leopard-print jacket and oversized sunglasses at the ready. Nick & Nora’s at SKYE Suites Parramatta is an Art Deco-styled cocktail and Champagne bar that serves magnificent morsels matched with lively libations for party-ready Parra types.

the dining interior of Nick and Noras with dim mood lighting — Nick & Nora’s is a cocktail and Champagne bar with a heritage feel.

Think oysters, caviar, local and imported cheese and cured meats as well as one-bite canapes. The rooftop bar owned by the Speakeasy Group (Mjolner, Eau De Vie) has uninterrupted views across the city skyline from the 26th floor of SKYE Suites Parramatta. It’s a fantastic place to perch and ponder how sophisticated Sydney’s second CBD has become. Book a stay-cay and explore all that Parra has to offer, including the new PHIVE, the award-winning new landmark library and community hub and Parramatta Aquatic Centre.

a spread of food and drinks on the table at Nick & Nora’s, Parramatta, NSW — Dine on cured meats, caviar and more at Nick & Nora’s.

Address: Level 26/45 SKYE Suites Parramatta, 30 Hunter St, Parramatta, NSW

11. Mister Percy, Pyrmont, NSW

Best for: MSC Cantabrian Anchovies with butter and toast and a Mandrake of the Lake gin highball.

The great custom of nibbling and drinking has got a whole lot more sophisticated in Pyrmont thanks to Mister Percy .

an elegant dining setup at Mister Percy — Elevate your wine game at Mister Percy.

A good portion of the menu at the neighbourhood wine bar is designed to share. And there’s a lot at the bar that will grab your attention. Keep it simple with the drool-worthy four-cheese toastie.

a look inside the wine bar at Mister Percy — This bustling wine bar is best for nibbling and drinking.

Address: 139 Murray St, Pyrmont, NSW

12. Bar Infinita, Gordon, NSW

Best for: Italian antipasti and Amalfi sours.

Nab a seat on the pavement outside Bar Infinita in Gordon on Sydney’s North Shore to fill up on tasty bites made to order by ex-Firedoor and Ormeggio chef Francesco Iervolino.

a cosy bar with a fireplace at Bar Infinita, Gordon — Taste Bar Infinita’s wood-fired pizza. (Image: Chad Konik)

This buzzy neighbourhood bar is all about fire and char: enjoy the thrill of the grill with succulent octopus served with romesco, shishito peppers and nduja.

Italian dinner on the table at Bar Infinita — This buzzy neighbourhood bar is all about fire and char. (Image: Chad Konik)

Address: 10 St Johns Avenue, Gordon, NSW

13. Lumiere on Thirty Five, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Foie gras parfait and beetroot tartlet.

One thing will certainly lead to another at Sydney’s newest bar . Start with the Copper Moon, which will captivate your senses. It’s one of many artisan cocktails concocted by mixologist Jason Lau to be enjoyed over delicately crafted cheffy morsels such as wagyu skewers and the Native Flower Pot.

Lumière is French for light and the running theme for the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour bar overlooking Sydney’s twinkling skyline.

mixologist Jason Lau at the bar counter of Lumière on Thirty Five — Enjoy an array of artisan cocktails at Sydney’s newest bar.

Address: 12 Darling Drive, Sydney, NSW

14. Bar Lettera, North Sydney, NSW

Best for: Grilled black tiger prawns with Aleppo pepper and shellfish oil.

North Sydney residents are set to become even more insular with the opening of Bar Lettera . The modern Australian bar led by chef Ryan Perry (The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo) skews toward Italian.

two people walking into Bar Lettera — Pop into Bar Lettera.

Pull up a stool at the modern Australian bar that conjures colours of the Australian landscape and has a kind of late-night supper club vibe.

The all-day menu includes light bites such as ocean trout and cobia crudo and rigatoni with Wollemi duck ragu with Davidson plum jam.

a table-top view of dinner plates at Bar Lettera — Bar Lettera serves light bites all day.

Address: Level 5, Citadines Walker North Sydney, 88 Walker St, North Sydney, NSW

15. Marble Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Lobster rolls and Born Lucky cocktail.

The Marble Bar at Hilton Sydney is one of Australia’s most alluring and opulent venues. The name is a nod to the 35 varieties of marble used in the fit-out for the bar first established in 1893 and later rebuilt in the subterranean level of the Hilton Sydney.

the vintage interior or Marble Bar with dim lighting — Settle into the dimly lit Marble Bar.

Drape yourself over a lounge in the warm and cosy bar, which celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2023. Head here for wagyu beef sliders and whisky while admiring the stained-glass panels, timber archways, polished mahogany and Julian Ashton’s paintings.

Julian Ashton’s paintings on the walls of Marble Bar — Julian Ashton’s paintings are spread across the timber archways.

Address: Level B1 Hilton Sydney, 488 George St, Sydney, NSW

16. Penelope’s, Sydney, NSW

Best for: A bogan old fashioned with a vegemite caramel and prawn cocktail.

The Quay Quarter is shaping up to be one of the liveliest dining precincts in Sydney. The food and drinks at Penelope’s are inventive and fun. The diners’ eclectic. And the menu conceived to represent a new take on Australian cuisine.

the elegant dining interior at Penelope’s, Sydney, NSW — Penelope’s has an eclectic dining scene. (Image: Chad Konik)

Executive chef and owner Cuong Nguyen leans into both his Vietnamese heritage and his experience growing up in Sydney’s inner west.

Belly up to the bar to enjoy elevated offerings of dishes that show the diversity of Sydney neighbourhoods, from Lakemba spiced lamb shoulder to Bakar chicken complimented by wines from around the world.

a close-up of food on a plate alongside a wine glass at Penelope’s, Sydney, NSW — The dishes at Penelope’s are from Vietnamese origin. (Image: Chad Konik)

Address: Quay Quarter, Level 1, 50 Bridge St (enter from Phillip St), Sydney, NSW

17. Gildas, Surry Hills, NSW

Best for: The famous gilda snack, which arrive speared on a stick as a Gilda, Grillda or Aussie-fied Matilda.

There’s one thing about chef Lennox Hastie: he doesn’t gild the lily. Or in this case, he doesn’t gild the gilda, the name of the venue paying homage to the original pinxtos of the Basque region in northern Spain where the Michelin-trained chef worked for a time.

a look inside the Gildas bar and restaurant — The name Gildas is a homage to the original pinxtos of the Basque region in northern Spain. (Image: Nikki To)

Expect wildly flavourful dishes and an inspired drinks selection that has made Gildas just as hot as sister venue Firedoor.

Like a proper pintxos taverna, Gildas embraces the Basque tradition of bringing locals together to snack on small plates, share a few yarns and enjoy a drink or two.

basque lomo with drinks and light snacks on the table at Gildas — Snack on small plates with a drink or two.

Address: 46-48 Albion St, Surry Hills, NSW

18. McRae Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Chicken liver parfait with quince jam and dill pickle with a McRae Negroni.

Capella Sydney’s swanky McRae Bar named in honour of George McRae, the building’s original architect, redefines the classic hotel lounge. This is not the place for a post-punk after-party.

the elegant interior of McRae Bar, Sydney — McRae Bar was named in honour of architect George McRae.

The elegant bar has a carefully curated drinks list with contemporary twists on nostalgic-style cocktails that have stood the test of time.

Frock up for the Golden Age of the Cocktail complemented with elevated bar bites such as spring pea tartlets with ricotta and green chilli and bluefin tuna with smoked cream and kombu.

cocktails with bar bites at McRae Bar, Sydney — Pair indulgent bar bites with innovative cocktails.

Address: Capella Sydney, 2/4 Farrer Pl, Sydney, NSW

19. Lina Rooftop Bar, South Brisbane, Qld

Best for: Apero O’Clock cocktails with the girls and duck liver parfait.

Could this Brisbane rooftop bar be any more emblematic of the Sunshine State? While the menu at Lina changes with the seasons, thankfully, the Byron Bay burrata has remained.

guests relaxing on sun loungers by the pool at Lina Rooftop Bar — Soak up the sun by Lina Rooftop Bar’s poolside. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Lina is more French Riviera than South Brissy. The nautical-themed pool deck bar is a draw for bronzed bods with a penchant for socialising in their triangle bikinis and boardies.

a hand touching a cocktail glass at Lina Rooftop Bar — Linger a little longer at Lina Rooftop Bar with a cocktail in hand. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Address: 74-80 Tribune St, South Brisbane, QLD

20. Bar Kokomo, Darwin, NT

Best for: A Raintree Park Swizzle with local wild-caught snapper served on crisp tostadas.

It’s a Top End truism that Bar Kokomo is one of the NT’s best watering holes. Sure, the strength of the place has a lot to do with the colourful pilgrims who gather in the bar to exchange gossip. But the bar in multicultural Darwin also gets bonus points for being named after Kokomo, a song by the Beach Boys.

Lean into the lyrics – ‘There’s a place called Kokomo; That’s where you wanna go’ and get a taste of rum culture, past and present, with exciting tipples paired with food inflected with accents from the Caribbean, Spain and France.

a close-up shot of a seafood dish at Bar Kokomo — Pair exciting tipples with a savoury seafood dish at Bar Kokomo.

Address: 56 Smith Street, Darwin, NT

21. Havza, Rottnest Island, WA

Best for: Halloumi with honeycomb and a glass of something fizzy with friends.

Havza is the Turkish translation of ‘Basin’, which is where you will find this rustic pop-up on Rottnest Island every summer.

al fresco tables by the beach at Havza, Rottnest Island, WA — Dine al fresco at Havza.

The eatery was handcrafted by owner Glenn Evans using timbers he sourced from his mother’s farm in WA and milled himself. Tuck into tapas-style dishes such as falafel with tzatziki and hummus on flatbread or spicy fishcakes at the pop-up, which operates in summer only.

a close-up of a dish at Havza, Rottnest Island, WA — Tuck into tapas-style dishes at Havza.

Address: The Basin, Rottnest Island, WA

22. Romulus, Leederville, WA

Best for: Snacks with heft such as ox cheeks bites and a glass of big bold red.

A new wine bar in bustling Boorloo (Perth) captures the big-city energy of the suburb of Leederville. Named after Rome’s founding father, the menu at Romulus is a study of local food and wine sourced from farms and vineyards nearby.

As well as being a fine and dandy watering hole, you’ll find great food to match. Kick back on the turmeric-toned banquette for a glass of something funky alongside antipasto and crab bruschetta.

Address: Shop 1/224 Carr Place Leederville, WA

23. Shirley’s, Fremantle, WA

Best for: Taking your nan out for vegetable terrine and the Boozy Shirley cocktail.

Fremantle fave Manuka Woodfire Kitchen has opened a sidecar space named Shirley’s . Belly up to the bar at the new neighbouring venue that lures a cool energetic crowd of 20somethings in sneakers and jaunty hats.

the vibrant bar interior of Shirley's Fremantle — Take in the retro vibes ar Shirley’s.

There are pops of hot pink on the walls, whitewashed bricks, and cosy pockets surrounded by plants. We love the retro vibes with classic prawn cocktails, potato galettes and leek and feta quiches.

a close-up of a hand holding two cocktail glasses at Shirley’s Fremantle — Have a tipple at Shirley’s.

Address: 124 High St, Fremantle, WA

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

Great Australian bites: 23 bars with great food