Some of Sydney’s Best Bars…for Food

Wine. The Romans loved it. The Greeks loved it. Tyrion Lannister really loves it. And that’s because wine is one of the most delicious, versatile and varied beverages out there. People dedicate their lives to perfecting an amazing drop. You can buy (admittedly awful) wine cheaper than milk; and (blow-your-socks-off) wine that is more expensive than a Porsche 718 — just a cheeky $135,000 for a 1947 Cheval Blanc. Bargain.

Sometimes though, wine on its own is like seeing your favourite band and them not playing your number one song. It’s great, but there’s something missing. Drinking a lovely deep red is immediately enhanced when paired with a beautiful roasted meat. Sipping on a clean chardonnay becomes all that richer when followed by a nice hunk of brie.

Here’s a list of Sydney’s best wine and food bars, because sometimes it’s not enough to pick up a bottle on the way home and sit on the couch in your underwear, eating cheddar.

Get postal, the classy way: It’s fitting that this venue is located in the GPO Grand. ‘Grand’ is right: it’s all sandstone walls, pendant lighting and terrazzo floors. You feel like you’re entering a secret society of fromage fiends. The opulent theme continues into the menu. High-end labels, with an equal focus on European and Australian/New Zealand wines, are precisely paired with a range of exquisite cheeses. And if you’re feeling really indulgent, try the truffled cheese fondue. Grand, just grand.

Turning Japanese: When you think of Japanese cuisine, ‘wine’ may not be the first thing to spring to mind. But at Bar H, the marriage between the wine list and the menu is a happy one. There’s lots of Japanese-influenced fresh seafood dishes to pair with a nice clean glass of German riesling. Or, you could opt for a clean glass of rice wine. Nothing cuts through the oil of a gloriously crunchy piece of karaage like saké. The Tengumai Umajun from Ishikawa is a chilled crowd-pleaser. Arigatou gozaimasu.

Let's make a night you won't remember: Just like that Kesha song, Timbah will stick in your mind, but for the right reasons. This cute Glebe hangout punches above its weight in vino expertise. Their wine list changes weekly, and often features unusual suspects, such as montepulciano and vouvray. The focus is on meat and cheese. Basically all the good things in life. Go to Timbah, grab yourself a cheese board for a very reasonable $28 and knock back the wines. Chop-chop.

Need some more bar inspo? Click here to peruse all that Sydney has to offer >>